Global Financial and Economic Impact on Science,Engineering and Technology Development and Engineering Education in the 21st Century

The science academies of the world are mounting a global initiative on the solutions to problems of sustainability transition in the 21st century. With population and environment as over-arching themes, they have identified food, energy, health, consumption, water and education and information as the six most important issues. The author argues that education should really be an over-arching theme, citing the experience and lessons from the Asian economic crisis and the social, economic and behavioural issues involved in achieving sustainable consumption in the developed world and sustainable development in the developing world. The efforts of science, engineering and technology (SET) in helping the world to a sustainable future must be underpinned by equity, morality and higher human values. The author appeals for a new SET unity and a return to engineering unity with a humane face, and urges engineering educators and practitioners to devote time to community service and involvement and to focus on lifelong continuous engineering education and continuous professional development leading to global reach and mobility of the professional engineers.