Happy World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development!
Today, Thursday, 4 March marks the second annual World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, a UNESCO international day to highlight the achievements of engineers and engineering in our modern world and improve public understanding of how engineering and technology is central to modern life and sustainable development.
Did you know?
Engineers play a critical role in shaping the world around us and play an important role in addressing some of society's biggest challenges, from providing renewable energy and smart, sustainable infrastructure to protecting our water supplies and advancing healthcare developments.
Engineers Ireland’s Engineering 2020: 'A barometer of the profession in Ireland’ report found that almost three-quarters (74%) of the Irish public surveyed said they believe that engineers have an ethical obligation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
On 22 February 2020, the Council of Engineers Ireland passed a motion to declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, publicly recognising that climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse are the most serious issues of our time.
World Engineering Day Logo
The 17 colours of the UN Sustainable Development Goals are included in the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development logo and represent the commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda.
The colours at the centre of the image are for the Sustainable Development Goals for Water, Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation. These are the main areas where engineers are needed most.
The goal for Engineering Education is also central as the world needs more engineers with the right engineering skills for sustainable development. The image of the world is incorporated in the logo to show that this is a global day for everyone.
The gears of the logo show that engineers are driving the world forward and that engineering is essential for sustainable development.
Get involved!
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development takes place during STEPS Engineers Week. During this week-long celebration of the engineering profession, Engineers Ireland is encouraging young people, their families and students to explore the limitless opportunities a career in engineering offers and to dream, invent and create like real engineers.
As part of STEPS Engineers Week and to celebrate World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, exclusive Wind Energy Challenge packs have been designed for primary and secondary school students to explore sustainability in engineering.
Primary school students are encouraged to make a pinwheel and Post Primary Students are also encouraged to get involved by making a wind turbines to learn more about wind energy.
Secondary students and their teachers can also attend Engineers Ireland’s official event to mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on Wednesday, 4 March at 1pm.
This event, which is open to the public, will include a panel discussion on the contribution of engineering to climate action at home and abroad.
You can register for this event here: Register for World Engineering Day
On Friday, students can also attend a free ‘Meet an Engineer’ event hosted by Engineers Ireland’s Energy, Environment and Climate Action division and engage with engineers who are working in the energy and environment sector, find out what it's like to be an engineer and ask any questions that they may have.
Registration for this event is available here: Meet an Engineer
For more information on World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development and to find out more about engineering and sustainability, visit: Engineers Ireland
