The FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference, held in New Delhi, India, in September, brought together infrastructure leaders and professionals from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure delivery. 

We were represented at the conference by several leaders and young professionals, contributing South African and African perspectives to the global engineering conversation. 

CESA Board Member and SMEC CEO, Logashri Sewnarain, participated in a panel discussion titled “Managing Risks in Uncertain Times: Contracting, Procurement and Project Preparation”. The discussion explored how stronger procurement frameworks, robust contracts and effective project preparation can contribute to more resilient and predictable infrastructure outcomes in an increasingly uncertain environment. 

CESA President, Dr Vishal Haripersad, also participated in a panel focused on “Building Institutional Settings and Skills for Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery”, contributing to discussions around strengthening institutions, building capacity and developing the skills required to support sustainable infrastructure delivery. 

Representing the next generation of the profession, CESA Young Professionals Forum Chair and Civil Engineer at Bigen, Marizel Pienaar, also attended the conference. Her participation provided an opportunity to engage with international engineering professionals and gain insight into the conversations shaping the future of the industry. 

Our participation in the conference provided valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional engagement and collaboration, while bringing South African and African perspectives into the global infrastructure dialogue.