UCL Team part of ICE’s State of the Nation report 2024
9 February 2024
A UCL Team led by Professor Priti Parikh with Flavio Pinhero Martins and Marta Koch were involved in the research on links between infrastructure and SDG delivery as mentioned in the report.
Damning findings from the 2023 UN report showed that not enough progress was being made on the UN SDGs. In response, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is using the State of the Nation report as an opportunity to renew members’ and the wider industry’s focus on the areas where civil engineers and infrastructure professionals can have the greatest impact on the SDGs.
The annual report harnesses the expertise of the ICE’s global membership to present clear recommendations on how civil and infrastructure engineers, and other built environment professionals, can better support delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The report outlines the institution’s position statement on decarbonisation, with this year’s focus on three major areas: low carbon energy, water and flooding, and transport.
Prof. Priti Parikh said: “I am thrilled to be part of the research showing that engineers have a crucial role to play in delivering the SDGs. It is vital to embed the SDGs right from the planning stages of projects and be more explicit about the wide-ranging benefits of engineering. More work is needed on prioritising and emphasising the social value and environmental benefits of infrastructure projects. I am grateful to UCL research team and ICE staff from the knowledge, policy and comms teams for this collaboration.”
Watch Prof. Parikh discuss the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the vital role of civil engineers in achieving them.