DiscoverE is the organization behind Engineers Week and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. In 2016, DiscoverE launched the first annual Global Day of the Engineer to celebrate engineers from all over the world.
In 2020, the global celebration was renamed World Engineering Day in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).
The goal of World Engineering Day is to highlight the achievements of engineers and improve public understanding of the importance of engineering and technology.
DiscoverE's coalition provides students with a shared experience of STEM education and resources, programs, and connections to improve their understanding of engineering.
To mark World Engineering Day in 2020, DiscoverE conducted its second annual global survey, which involved over 10,000 engineers, technicians, and technologists from 119 countries.
The survey found that 18-24-year-old engineers, technicians, and technologists are the most optimistic that they can solve global challenges with the proper support.
The top four global challenges for engineers in the next 25 years include securing cyberspace, economically clean energy, sustainable land and oceans, and sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
The survey also revealed that the #1 factor necessary to solve global challenges is more support from the government and policymakers. Additionally, 96% of engineers believe that volunteering with primary and secondary students to introduce them to engineering is essential.
DiscoverE also announced that the day once known as "Global Day of the Engineer" is now a joint venture with UNESCO and WFEO and has been renamed World Engineering Day.
In 1968, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) proposed to declare March 4, the anniversary of the founding of WFEO, as the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
WFEO proposed that engineers and engineering be celebrated each year, as well as the significant contributions of the profession to sustainable development and modern life.
UNESCO's General Conference proclaimed March 4 World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development during its 40th session in November 2019 to raise awareness of the role of engineering in modern life.
The logo of World Engineering Day includes the colors of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, representing the Sustainable Development Goals for Water, Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Innovation. These are the main areas where engineers are needed most.
Monday is #WorldEngineeringDay!
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) March 3, 2024
Engineers take on some of the world’s most pressing issues like climate change, environmental degradation & access to clean water & energy.
Today, let’s put the spotlight all engineers who tackle these global challenges!https://t.co/6MalMyNVSa pic.twitter.com/Q7PaF1dZeT
Hashtag your online activities using #WorldEngineeringDay and watch our 24hr global stream from here - https://t.co/vj6pOdgzwc pic.twitter.com/ty7LJiHSLT
— World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (@engineering_day) March 4, 2024
