Published at: 2024-11-18The Asia-Pacific Regional International Conference of FIDIC, international federation of consulting engineers, has commenced in Kathmandu. The conference was inaugurated on Monday in the presence of FIDIC President Catherine Karakatsanis and Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Keshav Sharma.
Organized by the Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firms (SCAEF), the umbrella organization for Nepali consulting engineering firms, the conference will run until November 20. Representatives from 23 countries, over 100 international participants, and 300 national participants and observers are attending the event.
In her address, FIDIC President Catherine Karakatsanis emphasized that such significant conference focused on sensitive issues like climate change should not be limited to discussions alone but must ensure that the outcomes are implemented at the action level. She assured that FIDIC remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders in the future.
Similarly, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Keshav Sharma expressed confidence that the conference would provide valuable advice and solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and address related challenges. He remarked, “The issues raised and the conclusions drawn from this conference could serve as a roadmap for countries like ours that are severely affected by climate change. It will certainly assist us in policy formulation.”
SCAEF General Secretary, Engineer Kamal Karki, noted that hosting such an international conference in Nepal is a significant achievement. He pledged to ensure that the recommendations and guidance from the conference are conveyed to relevant levels for implementation.
The conference, centered around the theme “Governance for Climate Shocks”, will feature discussions on seven specialized topics related to addressing environmental disasters through technical and policy measures. The organizers believe that the conference will be fruitful for the global community, especially considering the increasing risks of disasters.
Key attendees at the conference include FIDIC President Catherine Karakatsanis, Secretary Keshav Sharma, FIDIC Asia-Pacific President Sudhir Dhawan, and President of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, Ravi Singh, among others.
