United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Engineering Day (WED) for Sustainable Development is observed annually on 4th March across the globe to highlight the critical role of engineering in modern life.
- The day focuses on its importance in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development, particularly in Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- 4th March 2025 marks the 6th observance of the WED.
Theme:
The UNESCO’s theme for World Engineering Day 2025 is “Unleashing the power of engineers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals’’.
- The theme highlights engineers’ crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Background:
i.In November 2019, UNESCO declared March 4th as World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development based on the proposal of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), during UNESCO’s 40th General Conference (40 C/64).
ii.The first-ever WED was observed on 4th March 2020.
Significance:
UNESCO highlights the significance of encouraging youth to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
2025 Event:
In 2025, UNESCO, in collaboration with the WFEO, organized the World Engineering Day (WED) celebrations with the theme “Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Engineering” at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France), as part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director General (DG)-Audrey Azoulay
Founded-1945
Headquarters– Paris, France
About World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO):
President –Mustafa Balarabe Shehu
Founded-1968
Headquarters– Paris, France
