World Engineering Day 2025:
Engineering for a Sustainable Future
On March 4, we celebrate World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, a global recognition of the essential role engineers play in shaping a better future. Whether addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, energy transition, or digital inclusion, engineers are problem-solvers, innovators, and builders of a sustainable world.
The Power of Engineering in Action
Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, beautifully captures the spirit of this day by referencing Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island. In the novel, the castaways’ hope is restored when their engineer, Cyrus Smith, applies scientific knowledge to build tools, harness resources, and create a livable environment.
This fictional tale mirrors real-world engineering, where professionals—men and women alike—continuously innovate to address humanity’s most pressing challenges:
✅ Sustainable Infrastructure – Designing resilient cities and smart buildings.
✅ Water Solutions – Tackling shortages and ensuring clean access.
✅ Renewable Energy – Powering the world with cleaner alternatives.
✅ Digital Inclusion – Bridging the technological divide for all.
A Call for Inclusive Engineering
Despite these contributions, the engineering profession still faces disparities. Only 28% of engineering graduates are women, and sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest number of engineers per capita. This must change.
UNESCO is committed to fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and collaborative engineering community. One key initiative is the WFEO-UNESCO Hackathon, where students from different ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds team up to solve real-world problems. This collective approach is the future of engineering—one that leverages all perspectives to drive sustainable progress.
Engineering Our Future Together
On this World Engineering Day, let’s recognize the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of engineers worldwide. But beyond celebration, let’s commit to making engineering accessible to all—because the challenges of our world require the contributions of every mind, every voice, and every engineer.
💡 How do you see engineering shaping a more sustainable world? Join the conversation!