Building Resilience through Infrastructure in Resource Challenged Settings | Dr Priti Parikh

This illuminating lecture examined the importance of infrastructure in resource challenged settings – both for building resilience and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. Noting that there is a need for major investment in infrastructure to address gaps in services as an enabler for human well-being and development, Dr Parikh considered that with challenges such as climate change, what approaches can be used to address infrastructure needs of the current and future generations? 

Dr Parikh used examples from water, sanitation, and energy projects globally to discuss inclusive, equitable and resilient infrastructure solutions. 

Dr Parikh commented: “Infrastructure is vital for building resilience and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Both need to go hand in hand. It was a pleasure to discuss this important topic as part of The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction keynote lecture series”. 

Dr Broyd commented: “It’s very easy to get caught up in the mega infrastructure projects being developed in industrialised countries such as the UK, and to forget that many people in the world lack the most basic infrastructure needed to live a healthy and happy life.  Priti’s lecture was a strong reminder that we have a responsibility to provide good and effective infrastructure for all of humanity”. 

Thank you to everyone who took part. If you were not able to attend, a recording of the event is available to watch here:

YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYwu0vPid2Q

About our speaker

Dr. Priti Parikh

Dr. Priti Parikh is an Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and founder director of UCL’s Engineering for International Development Centre. This centre focuses on infrastructure solutions for human development and wellbeing; and researches locally acceptable water-sanitation-energy solutions in low-middle income countries. 

She was recently recognised by Apolitical as one of the 100 most influential academics for government policy. She has industry experience in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK on design and delivery of infrastructure in partnership with local communities. She holds the Bboxx/Royal Academy of Engineering Senior Research fellowship on solar energy access in sub-Saharan Africa. She is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), ICE Council Member and sits on the board of Happold Foundation and Engineer’s Against Poverty.