Engineering for Global Development Committee

Objectives

ASME’s Engineering for Global Development (EGD) programs and services will foster collaboration among the engineering and global development stakeholders to create avenues and opportunities for ASME members, volunteers, and engineers around the world to meet the challenges faced by billions in underserved communities.  These challenges can include access to clean water, adequate sanitation, housing, reliable electricity, transportation, food production, education, health care, information and communications, among others.   ASME EGD will focus on four strategic objectives to facilitate the development of appropriate, sustainable solutions: 

• Infrastructure – Build a partnership between a community of subject matter experts (SMEs) and staff that will serve as the engine for execution of  the program strategy;
• Content and community – Leverage the infrastructure and facilitate the participation of ASME members and engineers around the world in addressing these global challenges and develop content that facilitates the discovery, development and implementation of appropriate, sustainable solutions addressing quality of life challenges;
• Education, Research & Prestige – Influence research funding agencies to legitimize research in this space, support development and integration of topics in global development into the curriculum, and set up a platform for rewards and recognition; and
• Advocacy – Highlight the critical role of engineering in global development to create funding and partnering channels.

EGD seeks to construct an information framework that allows for the development of sustainable solutions and that properly leverages ASME’s knowledge and resources.  Such efforts can enable local communities to determine solutions to local problems, promote economic development and growth, foster education and training, and develop standards.   This is, however, a collaborative effort.  EGD looks to ensure that appropriate partners in the global development field are aware of and involved in our efforts.  The increasing membership of Engineering for Change (E4C) can help bridge those gaps in this growing field. 

Composition

The EGD Committee relies on the collective expertise of a diverse group of volunteers.   A varied representation of interests and expertise comprise the Committee; membership is determined at the Committee’s discretion.  Categories of interests are as follows but are not limited to:

• Engineers, Technologists,  Architects;
• Economists, Social Scientists, Policymakers; and
• Regional Experts/Representatives and Community Advocates.

The EGD Committee Roster can be seen below.  For questions regarding EGD and/or the Committee, please contact James Creel at creelj@asme.org.

Committee Roster