Engineering drives economic growth and alleviates poverty

The development of basic infrastructure such as roads, railways, telecommunications and other infrastructure underpins modern economies. However, much engineering work must continue to be done to develop technologies that improve access to basic needs and services such as clean water and sanitation, reliable energy and clean cooking fuels. 

Engineering improves healthcare through manufacturing processes, research and development, and logistics and transportation systems.

Engineering has improved global health by eradicating numerous diseases, such as typhoid and cholera, through improved water and sanitation. 

Advances in biomedical engineering continue to improve quality of life with medical devices for limbs (3D Prosthetics), and improvements in hearing, heart health and brain functioning.

Robotics, computer vision and A.I technologies are being used in various types of scans for the purpose of diagnosis and detection of diseases.

Data Engineering is being applied to analyze trends in health data, producing new insights into the causes and management of diseases. Advanced technologies such as 3D-printing are being used to produce prosthetics and other body parts to closely match an individual’s physical dimensions, thereby enhancing comfort.
 
Lasers, robotics and miniature camera technologies have revolutionized surgical procedures.

Engineers are facilitating the delivery of education through the creation of new technologies, such as online learning tools that are free and accessible to the masses

Software, aerospace, aeronautical and telecommunication engineers are fast expanding access to the internet through low-cost satellites and other aerial devices to deliver information and services to remote and low-income communities.

Machine Learning Engineers are developing learning systems that use AI to enable significant advances in conventional teaching methods, providing personalized content and instruction that is locally relevant, gender & ethnically inclusive, and dynamic and interactive. Such systems can enable real-time tracking of progress, anticipate future performance and take corrective actions, and support experienced teachers, resulting in superior learning outcomes at low cost

New technologies developed by engineers are increasingly empowering female users

In many countries, new technologies and communication systems have supported the development of entrepreneurship among women, especially small business enterprises.

Providing women with access to the internet will facilitate the flow of information in areas such as health, education and childcare, resulting in better outcomes. 

Other new technologies, such as biometric systems, ensure the personal safety of women, empower them to own land and assets, enable them to access accurate personal educational and medical histories, and help them become active in economic systems.

Engineers are central to the development of renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar, wave and geothermal energy, all of which mitigate the impacts of climate change

Household energy generation and distribution, powerplants, mini-grids and smart grids are all innovations developed by electrical, electronics, mechanical and civil engineers that are  transforming access to energy while reducing environmental impacts. 

Affordable Access to clean renewable energy is also supporting agriculture through the operation of irrigation pumps, enabling refrigeration for food and medicine, and providing power for household appliances such as televisions and refrigerators. 

The successful implementation of low-cost, accessible, solar technology in developing countries, especially in remote rural areas, is having a significant impact on the social fabric and economies of peoples in these nations

Engineers are responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, industry and new innovations

Roads, transport, communication, water supply and energy are all the result of the work of civil, mechanical and electrical engineers. Infrastructure built by engineers facilitates trade through the development of trans-border roads and railways, ports and airports. Infrastructure also enables industry to develop and thrive in areas such as mining, petroleum, chemical and food processing. 

Every type of manufacturing is underpinned by engineers: mechanical, electrical, chemical and environmental. Industrial development results in increased employment and the production of goods for domestic and export markets. 

Engineering is also the source of innovation. Innovations in AI, robotics, cloud computing and big data are emerging rapidly and will drive future economic growth and employment. For example, AI is transforming healthcare by providing insights into the management of chronic diseases such as asthma. It also provides insights into finance to monitor fraudulent activities; shipping and transport to drive logistics and autonomous vehicles; and education to develop student-specific programs. 

Robotics are being used in a wide range of industries to replace repetitive or dangerous tasks, or where high precision is required, as in surgical procedures. New technologies will create new industries and new jobs, and also enable more people to become entrepreneurial and creative at work.

Engineers use advanced technologies to achieve many of the goals necessary to develop sustainable cities

Engineers contribute heavily to safe, inclusive and resilient cities, facilitating access to affordable housing and public transport, clean air, water and energy, as well as design of resiliency against natural disasters. 

Advanced engineering technologies are used in energy and resource efficient buildings, smart city lighting, efficient transportation systems, renewable energy sources, integrated water resource management, geospatial engineering, Building Information Modelling and data analytics, making cities more livable and sustainable

Engineers develop solutions for resource management and responsible consumption through;

The concept of the circular economy where outputs and products can become inputs into other processes and products, thereby conserving the Earth’s resources

Geotechnical, civil, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineers play critical roles in efficiently managing resources from mining, processing essential minerals, generating energy from renewable resources, ensuring the effective use of water resources, agricultural production and the management of biodiversity. They've also developed models that recycle and/or reuse waste materials.

In the water industry, technologies are already being used to manage and treat wastewater streams for reuse in irrigation and for drinking water.

Today, billions of mobile phones, personal computers and tablets are in use. Engineers have developed processes to extract metals from e-waste, which can then be recycled into other products.

Engineering enables climate change action

Engineers are at the forefront of tackling climate change through the development of a wide range of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions especially from energy generation, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

Engineers have developed new technologies for alternative sources of energy that have zero carbon emissions. These include energy from hydroelectric power stations, green hydrogen, solar, wind and wave power. Nuclear fission is also a well-established technology. 

Incorporating principles for resilience against climate change impacts can have huge economic and social benefits, and enable faster recovery from natural disasters whose frequency is gradually increasing

Engineers manage biodiversity through the responsible use of forestry resources and the preservation of habitats

The protection of forests, which cover 30 per cent of the Earth’s surface, is vital to combating climate change and protecting biodiversity in terms of both flora and fauna;

Engineers have created technologies that map the Earth’s surface to provide geospatial information for agricultural monitoring and infrastructure, as well as helped in preventing desertification, and natural disasters like earthquakes. 

These technologies are also assisting indigenous and disadvantaged groups to enhance their capacity to map, analyze and negotiate for sustainable development while protecting natural forests. 

Sensor and drone technologies map forests and identify diminishing animal populations. DNA sequencing and microchips are used to track endangered species. 

Engineering partnerships within engineering disciplines, across national and international engineering institutions, government, industry and universities advance the goals of sustainable development.

These partnerships are developing innovative solutions to address the issues of today and the future. They are also providing roadmaps for the implementation of technologies that build capacity and knowledge transfer mechanisms for inclusive approaches to sustainable engineering.