Engineering is the art of using science and technology, traditional experience and creativity, for the benefit of humanity. The engineering profession is a major contributor to the quality of life, welfare and wealth of the people of the world. Most social and economic activities depend increasingly on engineering applications. Engineering skills provide housing, civil structures and infrastructure, services for storage and distribution of water and other services vital to community health, for the generation, transmission and use of power, for communications, and for production of goods and services including transport and processing food. Increasingly the standards of engineering knowledge and engineering practices determine the long term welfare of people and the wealth generation capabilities of nations. In recent years it has become evident that particular engineering skills are required to reduce the demand of natural resources, and to restore and safeguard the biophysical environment in which we live.

The World Federation of Engineering Organization (WFEO) is committed to the advancement of the world engineering profession for the benefits of mankind. It particularly works to assist development of the engineering profession, and in the sharing, exchange and transfer of technology from one country to another. It works to improve the community understanding of engineering, the quality of engineering education and training, and the ethics and standards of engineering practice.

The engineering profession around the world, whose national and international institutions are the members of WFEO, face a period of rapid and substantial change. Engineering has been an international profession for at least a century. However, in this era of globalization, engineering is becoming even more global, and global engineering practice will become more important. There are increased needs to harmonize global standards. The WFEO International Members and WFEO, in conjunction with the European Community, APEC, and ASEAN have been working hard for many years with some success to institute the recognition for Regional Professional Engineers like the EuroEng. APEC-Eng. and ASEAN-Eng.. In this important initiative for professional mobility, engineers are way head of any other profession. WFEO is currently working towards world mobility for professional engineers. In this connection, the World Trade Organization has an important role to play.

As population and economic growth place increasing pressure on our social and biophysical environment, engineers must accept increased responsibilities to develop sustainable solutions to meet community needs, overcome extreme poverty and prevent segregation of people. The education of engineers needs to inculcate an understanding of sustainability and cultural and social sensitivities as well. The engineering code of ethics must reflect a strong commitment to principles of sustainable development.

There are special needs of the developing countries. The developed world can assist in the training of local engineers, in the generation of work opportunities for them in their own countries, and in the sharing of appropriate technologies. The developed world also needs new, efficient and cleaner technologies that do not adversely affect the environment and will help to cut down on their excessive consumption of the resources of the world. Developing countries have also accumulated over decade's valuable lessons and experiences in appropriate technologies that can be shared with one another. Without their local and regional efforts, it will be very difficult to achieve a sustainable world.

WFEO will encourage all its international and national members to contribute to global effort to establish a sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.