​GECO 2024: Pioneering Sustainable Engineering Solutions in Kigali

The Global Engineering Conference (GECO) 2024, hosted by the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) in collaboration with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO), was a landmark event from October 15-17 at the Kigali Convention Centre. Bringing together over 700 delegates, 25 exhibitors, and six sponsors, including a key Platinum Sponsor “DAR”,  the conference highlighted Africa’s critical role in advancing sustainable development goals through engineering innovation.
Themed "Engineering Innovations for a Sustainable Future," GECO 2024 was more than a conference; it was a dynamic forum where engineers, policymakers, and private-sector leaders gathered to address the world's most pressing challenges. From the start, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda's Minister for Infrastructure, set the tone by emphasizing the role of engineering in driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As keynote speakers and panelists explored topics like clean water, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience, the conference underscored engineering’s essential role in achieving a sustainable future.
Resolutions and Key Outcomes
One of the core achievements of GECO 2024 was the establishment of actionable resolutions for six primary SDGs, each highlighting specific challenges, objectives, and pathways forward:

1. Quality Education (SDG 4): Resolutions focused on strengthening collaboration between industry and academia to align educational standards with industry needs. A call for integrated curricula and practical skill-building emphasized preparing future engineers with the competencies needed for modern challenges.
2. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): The conference advocated for partnerships among governments, engineers, and communities to improve water access and sanitation. Embracing technologies like sequencing batch reactors and satellite data, attendees discussed strategies for sustainable water management and community training.
3. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Delegates emphasized local and regional collaboration to enhance energy access through renewable sources. They called for incentives for local manufacturers, training programs for energy professionals, and favorable policies to promote clean energy solutions.
4. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): A key takeaway was the critical role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and sustainable infrastructure. This included supporting local entrepreneurs, fostering digital innovation, and prioritizing green technology in infrastructure development.
5. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): As urbanization accelerates, the importance of inclusive urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure was at the forefront. Delegates stressed that engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable urban growth that benefits all community members.
6. Climate Action (SDG 13): Delegates discussed urgent strategies for building resilience against climate change impacts, advocating for resilient infrastructure and sustainable materials to support communities vulnerable to climate disruptions.

A Vision for Continued Progress and Collaboration
GECO’s commitment to these resolutions aligns closely with the mission to drive engineering as a key force for sustainable development, one that promotes capacity building, ethical practices, and innovative solutions. The engagement of sponsors and exhibitor showcased the strength of public and private sector collaboration in supporting these ambitious goals.
Infrastructure Insights: The Study Tour
The conference concluded with a study tour on October 18, spotlighting Rwanda’s infrastructure achievements, including Bugesera International Airport (an exemplar of modern aviation infrastructure), Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Dam (a milestone in renewable energy), the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, and the Bridges to Prosperity suspension bridge, illustrating the role of engineering in connecting communities. These site visits provided firsthand insights into how infrastructure projects are transforming lives and promoting sustainable development in Rwanda.
GECO 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a springboard for solutions and partnerships that will propel the engineering profession toward achieving sustainability goals, reinforcing the power of engineering to build a resilient, inclusive future.