Global conference in Beijing says capacity building vital for engineers

With artificial intelligence and big data reshaping the engineering industry ecosystem, capacity building and knowledge inheritance among engineers — especially young people — have been emphasized at a conference in Beijing.

Martin Manuhwa, chair of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations Committee on Engineering Capacity Building, highlighted that capacity building is of paramount importance for engineers.

He added that the engineering industry is not only a profession but also serves as the lifeblood for sustainable development and the cornerstone of sustainable transformation, playing a pivotal role in advancing digital transformation, addressing climate change and developing smart agriculture.

However, Manuhwa also pointed out the significant gap in technical preparedness of young engineers, particularly among those in the Global South.

The remarks were made at the World Federation of Engineering Organizations 2025 General Assembly held in Shanghai during the China Association for Science and Technology's first international month.

The UNESCO 2021 Engineering Report highlighted a concerning trend of waning interest among young people in many countries in studying engineering and pursuing careers in that field, despite the growing global demand for engineers. The report attributed this trend to the comparatively low socioeconomic status of engineers and the inadequate mechanisms for cross-border mobility of young engineers.

In response to this trend, Enyonam Kpekpena, chair of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations Committee on Women in Engineering, said that young people should have more access to new developments brought about by the era of artificial intelligence and seize these technological opportunities.

Kpekpena emphasized the importance of engineering education organizations worldwide strengthening communication and collaboration to create platforms for mutual exchange among young engineers, with a particular focus on supporting female engineers.

She added that the training system should incorporate activities such as knowledge updates, skill training, discussions on engineering ethics, and specialized workshops. These initiatives aim to enhance the support and development of engineering talents, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by advancements in technology.