November 2006 ISSUE
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
‘Poverty Reduction Starts Here’
Calgary Students, Professionals Plan Engineers Without Borders Conference
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OUT OF AFRICA |
BY BINNU JEYAKUMAR, E.I.T.
TransAlta Energy Corp.
Prior to the inception of Engineers Without Borders in 2000, Canadian professional
engineers and engineering students had few avenues for their unique skills, knowledge
and problem-solving in human development. In six short years, however, EWB has
profoundly reshaped that landscape.
Using EWB’s collaborative approach, Canadian professionals and students
have helped improve the quality of life for thousands of people in developing
communities.
“Poverty reduction starts here in Alberta,” says APEGGA Student Member Jared Houston. He’s co-chair of the sixth annual Engineers Without Borders National Conference, which Calgary hosts in January 2007.
Juggling his mechanical engineering studies at the University of Calgary
and his EWB responsibilities, the energetic Mr. Houston is excited about bringing
innovative ideas on corporate social responsibility to his city. The conference
will also showcase sustainability and international development initiatives.
Deeply committed to thinking globally and acting locally, Mr. Houston lives by
the motto: “Learn how you can change the world from your office.”
Engineers Without Borders is a registered charity that promotes human development through access to technology. In addition to its several international development projects, EWB also features Canadian initiatives in outreach and education.
With over 17,000 members in 25 university chapters and five professional chapters spreading awareness and taking action across Canada, EWB strives to make Canada a pro-development and sustainable society.
Those looking for a window into EWB’s work and wanting to learn about development issues should attend the conference, Jan. 25 to 27, at the Calgary Westin Hotel. As conference co-chair Ashley Harris says, “This high-impact conference, focusing on international development and corporate social responsibility, could not have come at a more appropriate time for Alberta.”
She continues: “With the remarkable growth of our province’s economy, the issues of community development, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility have taken on a new urgency. Our current prosperity gives our province an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate leadership in these areas. In addition, we as individuals have the opportunity to develop expertise in these fields and add it to our skills portfolio.”
The theme of the conference is Leaders for Change — Leading Through
Insight, Innovation and Influence. It’s particularly relevant, because
EWB is well-equipped to foster exceptional leadership.
As Patrick Pichette, president of operations of Bell Canada, says: “EWB
has created a unique training ground for Canada’s future leaders. They
have the skills, knowledge and impact focused approach that set them apart from
others.”
The conference provides companies and individuals with the opportunity to explore the best practices that have an impact on human development. Members of APEGGA, who are already leaders in driving Alberta’s economic engine, are natural partners in EWB’s quest for excellence in leadership.
A professional luncheon on Friday, Jan. 26, aims to introduce professionals — engineering and non-engineering alike — to development issues and explain how they can leverage their success in business to make a difference.
This lunch is a great opportunity to explore the different ways that professionals can promote development activities through their influence in corporate and civic arenas. It is also a chance to network with young leaders and professionals who are involved with EWB.
The luncheon is part of Collaboration Day, which is designed to provide a platform for exploration of social issues that are pertinent to working professionals. Registration for the professional luncheon also provides access to the other Collaboration Day events, including a panel discussion on corporate social responsibility with key personnel from industry.
Through exercises in critical and innovative thinking, Collaboration Day workshops enable attendees to expand their leadership skills as well as enhance their understanding of EWB’s operations within Canada and overseas.
Emily Zhang, E.I.T., an attendee at the 2005 conference, says: “I really appreciated the chance to brainstorm ideas with other professionals who were passionate about development. I came back to my job with a renewed vigour to make development-conscious decisions and become involved in discussion workshops.”
The conference ends on Jan. 27 with a gala banquet at the Westin Hotel. In the past the banquet has drawn such noteworthy leaders as Stephen Lewis, UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS; Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire, now retired forces commander for UN peacekeeping in Rwanda; and Lloyd Axworthy, former minister of foreign affairs and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Companies also have the opportunity to become a part of this fantastic event by purchasing tables.
The professional luncheon during the conference is one of a series of events that the Calgary EWB Professional Chapter is planning for early next year. These include outreach activities on EWB Day during APEGGA’s National Engineering and Geosciences Week in late February and early March, and a professional development luncheon presentation during APEGGA’s annual conference in April.
Membership of the Calgary EWB Professional Chapter is open to all professionals, engineering as well as non-engineering. Current members include employees from CH2M HILL, Nexen and TransCanada.
MORE INFO
Calgary EWB
Professional Chapter
www.calgary.ewb.ca/professional.
REGISTRATION
EWB National
Conference
Collaboration Day
Professional Luncheon
Gala Banquet
available at
http://conference
2007.ewb.ca.
Questions, Comments
e-mail:
conference2007@ewb.ca