[Techtaffy Newsdesk]

UNESCO and the world’s largest technical professional association, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has signed an agreement to implement projects to support the engineering community in Africa.

The agreement, signed at UNESCO’s Headquarters, outlines initiatives that support the common goal of mobilizing engineering education outreach for both students and educators in Africa, a region both organizations regard as a priority.

Gordon Day (President, and CEO, IEEE): Everywhere in the world, quality of life and prosperity depend on the application of technology. That means that every country needs to have and sustain a strong high-tech workforce.

 

Irina Bokova (Director-General, UNESCO): It is estimated that some 2.5 million new engineers and technicians will be needed in sub-Saharan Africa alone.”

The United States’ and United Kingdom’s Ambassadors and Permanent Delegates to UNESCO, David Killian and Matthew Sudders, attended the signing.

UNESCO and IEEE agreed to collaborate on several projects and initiatives including accreditation programmes, faculty training and initiatives encouraging the participation of women in engineering.