📯 On the need of "Safe - Sound - Sustainable" (3S) buildings
The World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2023 (WED2023) with its annual theme of “Engineering innovation for a more resilient world” was celebrated last Saturday 4th March 2023. The European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) actively participated in the celebration of the WED2023, taking part in the International Conference Engineering the Cities of the Future that was held in Madrid, 2-3 March 2023 organized by the Institute of Engineering of Spain, WFEO and the MWCC with the sponsorship of UNESCO's Spanish National Committee.
World Council of Civil Engineers (WCCE) and the European Council of Civil Engineers presented their 3S Approach joint initiative [EN|ES] , which aims to raise awareness on the need for "Safe - Sound - Sustainable" (3S) buildings, which can be fulfilled by integrating a structural/seismic upgrade of the existing buildings together with energy efficiency improvements. Based on ECCE's original initiative from 2020, a joint ECCE – WCCE group reviewed and updated the 3S Approach Manifesto and Executive Summary.
🔍Pre-assessment report on February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras Pazarcik and Elbistan earthquakes
by the Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers
WCCE would like to expresses its most profound condolences and sympathy to the Turkish Chamber Of Civil Engineers (TCCE) and the people of Turkey for this tragedy. Our heart goes out to all those affected by this tremendous disaster.
Two major earthquakes occurred on Monday, February 6, 2023, in Turkey. The first one, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck at 04.17 h, at Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş; the second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş at 13.24 h. Both earthquakes caused widespread collapsed and severely damaged residential and commercial buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure. The death toll is over 41.000 people already and rising, more than 80.000 were injured and the wounds and trauma caused is immeasurable.
📯 WCCE President's take on our last General Assembly
The GA was a great success. Portuguese Ordem dos Engenheiros was able to organize the meetings very well and we were able to gather, in person, the Presidents of ASCE, ECCE, WCCE, WFEO, and, of course, their “bastonario”. Even the new FAEO president attended virtually to the GA. I would give top marks to this Assembly !!’Not only we had good discussions about our profession, but also we were able to set the basis for different inititatives, and some guidelines for the future. I hope you all will be able to see them through soon enough. I am very grateful to all who participated, especially to our magnificent hosts. Our next must be to focus on the work of our Standing Committees and Working Groups, finetune our bylaws, and proceed with some special projects for which I expect the contributions of all of you.
📰 Statement by WFEO President, Prof. José Vieira, following the earthquake in Syria and Turkiye
The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) expresses its deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the deadly earthquake that struck Syria and Turkiye. Our thoughts are with the thousands who lost their lives and loved ones.
The international community of engineers shall stand by the people whose cities, villages, roads, companies and public services have been devastated. This is still the time for the emergency response, and we share our gratitude with the rescue teams and all NGOs which are active in the field of humanitarian assistance.
In such a context, WFEO supports the call from the United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner (UNHRHC) to lift the financial sanctions that prevent effective funding of emergency missions and NGOs interventions.
📰 Echoes of WCCE's 2nd Extraordinary General Assembly
WCCE’s 2nd Extraordinary General Assembly of the World Council of Civil Engineers was held virtually on 29th September 2022. The celebration of such Extraordinary Assembly was required by WCCE by-laws as the procedure to propose any changes in the bylaws. The meeting was attended exclusively by WCCE member representatives regarding the matters addressed. All member organizations entitled to vote attended this milestone meeting. The General Assembly also launched several initiatives which will be finalized during WCCE's 17th General Assembly.
🧾 Global consultation on disaster risk management, resilience and sustainability in the built environment.
The International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI), a partnering organization with WFEO, is launching a global consultation to collect views from members of the engineering community on topics related to the implementation of disaster risk management, resilience and sustainable development in the built environment.
As part of this consultation, ICSI is seeking input and feedback from engineering institutions, practitioners and academics through this survey, expert interviews and convenings.
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