Challenge

THE CHALLENGE

Engineering schools in the US do not usually address the needs of the most destitute people on our planet, many of them living in industrialized countries including the US.  This is unfortunate as the demand of the developing world for engineering solutions is likely to increase in the forthcoming years due to population growth. Today, 20% of the world's population lacks clean water, 40% lacks adequate sanitation, and 20% lacks adequate housing. How can engineers in the industrialized world contribute to the relief of the unnecessary hunger, exploitation, injustice and pain of those who are trying to survive at the end of each day on our planet?

There is a need for training a new generation of engineers who could better meet the challenges and needs of the developing world. The challenge is the education of engineers: (i) who have the skills and tools appropriate to address the issues that our planet is facing today and is likely to face within the next 20 years; (ii) who are aware of the needs of the developing world; and (iii) who can contribute to the relief of the endemic problems afflicting developing communities worldwide by providing knowledge, resources, and appropriate and sustainable solutions.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE

Quoting Albert Einstein, "The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them."  Addressing today's developing world problems requires the dedication of a new generation of engineers, working hand-in-hand with local communities, social scientists, economists, businesses, human rights organizations, other non-government organizations, and international development organizations.