Nepal is set to host the FIDIC Asia-Pacific Regional International Conference from November 18 to 20, marking a significant milestone for the country’s consulting and engineering sector. Organized by the Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firms (SCAEF), the conference will bring together international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss governance strategies for addressing climate shocks.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, will inaugurate the event. According to SCAEF General Secretary Er. Kamal Karki, the conference will feature FIDIC President Catherine Karakatsanis and representatives from 23 countries. The event is expected to host over 100 international and 300 national participants.

The conference will centre on the theme “Governance for Climate Shocks,” with discussions spanning seven specialized topics. These will explore both technical and policy solutions for managing environmental disasters, a pressing concern amid increasing global and regional disaster risks.

Nepal has been a full member of FIDIC since 1997, and SCAEF actively represents the country in the FIDIC Asia-Pacific Regional Subcommittee. This year’s conference in Nepal follows a 15-year gap, the last being held in 2009. The 2023 event succeeds last year’s conference in Bangkok, Thailand, with Bali, Indonesia, set to host the 2025 edition.

Globally recognized for its standard-setting contracts, FIDIC plays a pivotal role in infrastructure development projects funded through international loans and grants. In Nepal, public procurement and donor-funded projects frequently utilize FIDIC contracts to ensure best practices.

Founded in 1990, SCAEF serves as a unifying platform for Nepalese consultancy firms, with 273 members specializing in areas such as water, environment, housing, transportation, and IT. By promoting innovative technologies and sustainable practices, SCAEF underscores the critical role of infrastructure development in national progress.

The conference is expected to offer valuable insights and foster international collaboration, reinforcing Nepal’s position as a key player in addressing global climate challenges.