EWB Denmark Welcomes New Secretary-General, Peter Horne Zartsdahl

Engineers Without Borders Denmark (EWB-Denmark) has appointed Peter Horne Zartsdahl as its new Secretary-General. With a wealth of experience in international development, Peter is set to lead the organization towards expanding its project countries and partnership networks in East and West Africa.

Under his leadership, EWB-Denmark aims to create sustainable and long-term solutions in collaboration with skilled Danish volunteers and partners in the Global South. In 2023, the organization reached over 140,000 people, providing technical support and capacity building in local communities.

Peter joins EWB-Denmark after a four-year assignment with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he led an international advisory team in Nairobi, overseeing projects across ten countries on the Horn of Africa. His previous roles include working for the United Nations in South Sudan, coordinating national civil assistance, and researching the EU’s common foreign and security policy in Africa. He holds degrees in Global Politics from Roskilde University and African Studies from the University of Copenhagen.

With 200 volunteers and 1,500 members, EWB-Denmark is poised to benefit from Peter’s approach to clear prioritization, engagement, and targeted communication. Erland Stubkjær Christensen, Vice-Chairman of Engineers Without Borders, expressed his enthusiasm for Peter’s leadership: “With his deep understanding of international development, technical capacity building, and consultancy, Peter is a tremendous asset to EWB. We have a strong foundation, but are eager to further execute our strategy under his guidance. I look forward to our collaboration.”

For more information and to support the initiatives of EWB Denmark, please visit their website.

Queen Silvia's Foundation CATCH concludes after a decade of dedicated service

We are honored to be featured in the commemorative book marking the conclusion of Queen Silvia's Foundation Care about the Children (CATCH) after a decade of dedicated service. This publication celebrates CATCH's remarkable contribution of sponsoring 80 projects with 80 million SEK, coinciding with Her Majesty's 80th Birthday.

Compiled in the fall of 2023, the book provides a summary of the foundation’s reach and offers everyone a glimpse into its journey. We express our appreciation to every donor who has contributed through CATCH, assisting in the mission to support, give hope, and transform lives.

A warm thank you goes out to the individuals and organizations mentioned for their dedicated commitment to the well-being of children.

We invite you to explore the CATCH homepage and read the stories of incredible organizations working for the welfare of children. EWB-SWE is proud to be part of this group and we extend our warmest gratitude to all involved.

Happy Easter Holiday wishes to all!

To the government – do not raise the fundraising requirement

The government has signaled that the co-financing requirement for civil society's aid projects will triple by 2025. This requirement would hit small, non-profit organizations very hard and risks eliminating an entire segment of actors within Swedish development cooperation, write 69 representatives of the Swedish civil society, including Engineers Without Borders Secretary-General Caroline Edelstam.

The government has adopted a new aid strategy for civil society and decided to raise the contribution that civil society organizations themselves must provide. The smallest organizations face the largest increase. For us, this increase means a doubling for this year and a tripling for next year. In practice, this means that non-profit organizations that cannot quickly raise funds may be forced to shut down their aid work - something that will lead to significant consequences for the work of thousands of local organizations worldwide. The article was published March 26, in the Dagens Arena news magazine. Please see a summary of the article in English below, and a link to the article in Swedish.

Summary of the debate article

The debate article outlines concerns from 69 representatives of the Swedish civil and non-profit sector about government plans to triple the co-financing requirement for civil society aid projects by 2025. This change is seen as particularly burdensome for small, non-profit organizations, potentially eliminating a significant segment of actors within Swedish development cooperation. The article highlights that these organizations are skilled at conducting efficient projects with minimal resources, but lack the capacity to quickly generate the increased funds required. The government's strategy, which does not apply similar co-financing requirements to political parties' aid organizations or other aid strategies, is criticized for lacking a consultation or impact analysis with the civil society actors it affects.

The authors argue that the increased funding requirement will divert resources and focus from their core mission of supporting civil societies in developing countries, leading to reduced or eliminated funding for projects. This could undermine partnerships between Swedish non-profits and development countries, counteracting the goal of a vibrant civil society both nationally and globally. The article suggests that the government either misunderstands the consequences of their decision or intends to exclude Swedish civil society organizations from aid efforts, which would be alarming from a democratic perspective. The authors call for the government to reconsider the increase in the co-financing requirement, emphasizing the important role of small, non-profit organizations in achieving diverse, effective, and sustainable development cooperation.

Water for peace! World Water Day – March 22nd!

This World Water Day, EWB-SWE champions UN Water’s “Water for Peace” initiative, highlighting the critical role water plays in fostering global harmony and sustainability.

Over 3 billion people depend on transboundary waters, yet significant cooperation gaps exist. As climate change and population growth present increasing challenges, it's crucial we unite to protect our most vital resource. “Water for Peace” underscores the importance of collaborative water management for prosperity, resilience, and peace.

Go to the UN Water web

Make a Move for Water!

There are several ways to get involved this World Water Day. The organisation Clean International has made a poster to inspire action. You can also sign up on their web as a group or individual.  Here are a few ideas:

• Pick up trash along a waterway

• Help raise awareness by sharing information on social media

• Help plant trees

• Help organize a walk to recognize the long walk people are making daily for water

• Save water at your workplace

• Help educate kids on the water crisis

The International Day of Happiness – and why it matters

Today, March 20th, we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of happiness in our lives. Established by the United Nations General Assembly on July 12, 2012, and celebrated annually since, this day serves as a reminder that happiness is a fundamental human goal and right.

In these challenging times, finding joy and fulfillment can seem like a daunting task, yet it's more important than ever to reflect on what truly brings us happiness. Caroline Edelstam, Secretary General of Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE), shares a powerful message:

"I feel happy when I can contribute to making the world a little bit better. There are so many problems in the world, and so much going on in our lives. I think it is good to think about more often, about what makes you happy, because this is where your energy and motivation lie."

As we observe the International Day of Happiness, let's take a moment to consider what makes us happy and how we can spread joy to others. Whether it's through lending a helping hand, sharing a smile, or contributing to initiatives that aim to improve our world, every act of kindness counts.
 
What makes you happy? Today, let's pledge to not only pursue our happiness but also to develop an environment – and a world – where everyone can find their joy. Share your thoughts and join the conversation using #InternationalDayOfHappiness.

New partnership for media monitoring

A new cooperation has been initiated between the Swedish media company NewsMachine and EWB-SWE for press room services and national and international media monitoring.

One of the many useful features, is the possibility to create an international newsfeed on the EWB-SWE web page covering the EWB world globally. There is also the possibility to reach national and international media through the press room services.

– We see this as an excellent way to monitor interesting things that are happening in EWB sphere internationally, but also to reach out with important news from our own organisation. We are looking forward to exploring the possibilities and developing the cooperation further, says Caroline Edelstam, EWB-SWE Secretary-General.

“There is room for more engineers in the world”

Image Screen shot from Ingenjören, March 5, 2024. Sveriges Ingenjörer

Christian Naccache, a longstanding member of Engineers Without Borders Sweden, has found his calling in the complex yet rewarding field of aid work. He currently serves as an officer at the Swedish Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. As he reflects on the three years since completing his trainee program, the story of his career path is a testament to the impact that engineers can have on global challenges.

In a 2021 interview with Ingenjören, Engineers of Sweden’s member magazine, Naccache shared his journey from finishing his trainee program, securing a position at Sida, and awaiting an embassy assignment overseas. His first posting came in September of that year, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, at the embassy in Rwanda.

Currently, Naccache serves as an officer at the embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. He manages the climate and environment portfolio and has recently taken on the energy portfolio as well. His role is crucial in selecting and overseeing projects that address Mozambique’s significant challenges, such as vulnerability to climate change and threats to biodiversity due to resource extraction.

Naccache’s work spans a variety of projects aimed at improving energy supply, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable construction practices. This includes initiatives to enhance resilience in rural environments and protect national parks from poaching. His engineering background has been invaluable in this context, enabling him to analyze problems and make quick, on-the-spot calculations during field visits. This technical acumen is essential for grasping the nuances of issues like emission trading and contributing to the formulation of new legislation in Mozambique.

Reflecting on the complexity of aid work, Naccache has grown to appreciate the intricate balancing act of coordinating projects, navigating bureaucracy, and working with diverse partners and stakeholders. He enjoys the multifaceted nature of his job, from engaging in technical analysis to participating in high-level discussions and seeing firsthand the impact of the projects he supports.

Formally employed by Sida and stationed at the embassy on loan, Naccache’s journey underscores the unique opportunities available to engineers in the aid sector. This spring, he will welcome an engineering intern, highlighting the rare yet valuable presence of engineers in embassy internships. Naccache advocates for more engineers to explore the possibilities within aid work, emphasizing the significant role they can play in making a tangible difference in the world.

As Sida reopens applications for its trainee program, the call for more engineers like Naccache is clear. The program offers a pathway to meaningful work in aid, providing training, experience, and the chance to contribute to global efforts in climate, environment, and beyond. With applications open until March 25, the opportunity to join this impactful field awaits those ready to make a difference.

“There is room for more engineers in the world”, and the journey of Christian Naccache is a shining example of the impact they can have.

Ethical Issues are Increasingly Important for Engineers

A recent report from Sveriges Ingenjörer has shed light on the shifting priorities among engineers when it comes to choosing their employers.

The comprehensive survey, which included responses from 1,009 engineers, reveals a significant trend: engineers are increasingly prioritizing ethical practices, ecological responsibility, and equality in the workplace.

The findings indicate that a substantial 83% of engineers consider it important for their employers to actively engage in ethical matters—an increase of 12 percentage points from 2014. Furthermore, 84% of engineers underscore the importance of environmental stewardship on the part of their employer.

The report highlights a noteworthy point: these issues are particularly important to female engineers. While there is a growing concern among male engineers, the commitment to these matters remains much stronger among women.

Contrary to some beliefs that younger generations are more inclined towards ethical, sustainable, and equal workplaces, the report found no significant difference in opinions between younger and older engineers.

A follow-up survey, which included interviews alongside questionnaires, explored the consequences of employers' ethical failings. A striking 88% of engineers stated their work motivation would decline if their employer was involved in corruption. Meanwhile, 67% would not consider employment with a company engaged in environmentally harmful activities.

The implications are clear: to attract and retain engineering talent, employers must take an active stance on ethics and sustainability. Not only do these principles affect a company's reputation, but they are also crucial for successful recruitment and maintaining staff motivation, which ultimately impacts productivity and profitability.

As an organization committed to engineers and their professional values, EWB-SWE stands firmly behind the push for workplaces that respect these core principles, championing a future where ethical practice and sustainable development are at the heart of the engineering profession.

***

Read the article in Swedish on Sveriges Ingenjörer’s web “Etiska frågor allt viktigare för ingenjörerna” where you can download the full report as well.

Engineers Without Borders Sweden Partners with IT for Children to Empower Digital Education in Ghana

In an exciting development for global digital education, Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) has announced a forthcoming collaboration with IT for Children, a non-profit organization based in Sweden with extensive operations in Ghana, West Africa. This partnership aims to leverage the expertise of Swedish engineers to foster digital literacy and skills among young students and teachers in Ghana.

A Synergy of Expertise and Compassion

EWB-SWE is renowned for its commitment to harnessing engineering skills for the greater good, particularly in areas that benefit underprivileged communities around the world. The organization's digitalization group stands at the forefront of this initiative, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience in cutting-edge technologies. IT for Children, on the other hand, has been instrumental in providing high-quality, free IT education to thousands of Ghanaian children and youth daily. Their mission is rooted in the belief that information and communications technology (ICT) is pivotal for the robust and sustainable development of a nation.

Volunteering Opportunities for Graduate Engineers

The collaboration presents a unique opportunity for graduate engineers eager to make a difference. Volunteers will mentor and teach IT for Children’s teachers in Ghana, covering vital areas such as web development, robotics, and 2D/3D animations. These sessions will be conducted remotely, allowing volunteers to contribute from anywhere, breaking geographical barriers and opening up a realm of possibilities for digital education.

A Shared Vision for the Future

“We at IT for Children are very excited to enter this partnership with Engineers without Borders. We are in constant need of engineering expertise in our operations in Ghana. I know that there are so many engaged and skilled engineers out there who have so much to offer. We are very grateful if some of these engineers will offer their time and knowledge to our students and teachers in Ghana,” expressed Torsten Kjellgren, Founder & CEO of IT for Children.

About IT for Children

IT for Children operates with a vision that echoes the transformative power of ICT in education. Situated in Ghana, they strive to equip the next generation with the tools and knowledge necessary to contribute to their country's development. Their work underscores the importance of accessible, quality education as a cornerstone for progress.

Join the Movement

– This partnership between EWB-SWE and IT for Children marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering young minds in Ghana with the skills needed for the future. We would like to encourage engineers who wish to volunteer and be part of this cause to get in touch. Your expertise can make a real difference, said Caroline Edelstam, Secretary-General of EWB-SWE.

Both organisations look forward to this collaboration, and believe that the combined efforts of Engineers Without Borders Sweden and IT for Children will pave the way for a brighter, more connected world.

EWB-SWE Gains Support from Alstom Foundation for WASH Projects in Tanzanian Schools

Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) has received support from the Alstom Foundation to increase efforts in supporting children’s education through better Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) access in Karagwe, Tanzania. This effort builds on EWB-SWE's ongoing work in improving vital services in rural Tanzanian areas.

Working with the Mavuno Project, a local non-profit organisation, EWB-SWE has already built 25 water tanks in schools, providing clean water to around 20,000 children and 160 adults. This has led to better health, more regular school attendance, and improved school performance—with reports showing up to a 25% increase in one school's results.

The contribution from the Alstom Foundation will allow EWB-SWE to expand their WASH activities. The project will pay special attention to girls' education by adding specific sanitary and hygiene measures and campaigning for better understanding and support. This includes working with the Maji Safi Group, experts in Menstrual Health Hygiene (MHH).

The funds will be used for:

• Improving access to safe drinking water, clean toilets, and facilities for hygiene and menstruation in schools.

• Building skills and spreading the word about Menstrual Hygiene Health (MHH) and how to maintain clean water, to make a lasting difference.

• Increasing the involvement of government in school services.

• Keeping track of progress, evaluating success, and learning from the project's outcomes.

The aim of the project is to make a positive change in the education of 2,400 girls and 2,300 boys in five schools by improving health and ensuring they can attend school regularly. The plans include:

• Building two new rainwater tanks for 1,600 children and 20 teachers, leading to better health, 70 more hours of class time each day, and 380,000 litres of water every year.

• Constructing 40 ecosan toilets in two schools for 1,900 children.

• Making two special rooms for hygiene and menstruation care for 460 girls.

• Teaching 500 people, including government workers, community members, and teachers from the five schools about MHH, to increase knowledge and stop the shaming of menstruation.

• Strengthening talks with the local government to push for better education facilities.

With these steps, EWB-SWE is determined to improve the educational experiences of students in Tanzania by showing the important link between education, health, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The images below are from the construction of the new water tank at Nyakabila Primary School in Nyakasimbi, Karagwe District, Kagera, Tanzania. The first images are from February, and the three below are from this month.

See images from the project

World Social Justice Day: Promoting Fairness and Empowerment

Established in 2007 and first observed in 2009, the United Nations General Assembly designated 20 February as World Day of Social Justice, also known as Social Justice Equality Day. This international day recognizes the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, and human rights.

This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the work that has been done over the years and to identify the challenges that still remain. It also serves as a reminder of the efforts necessary to build a fairer and more inclusive society for everyone.

Social justice is a basic principle that guides the work of organizations like EWB-SWE. Our aim is to harness the skills of engineers and technical professionals to power innovative solutions and solve challenges related to inequality and global development in Sweden and around the world. EWB-SWE's commitment to social justice is manifested in various ways:

Empowering Communities:

EWB-SWE believes in empowering communities to identify their own needs and priorities and come up with sustainable solutions. We work hand-in-hand with local grassroots organizations to bring lasting, positive change, sharing knowledge and finding sustainable solutions that truly work.

Fair Access to Resources:

EWB-SWE advocates for fair access to resources such as clean water, healthcare, and education. Many of our projects are linked to schools, aiming to improve education, while others are connected to healthcare facilities. These basic needs are crucial for promoting social justice and improving the lives of communities.

Gender Equality:

We recognize that gender equality is key to achieving social justice. We hold that everyone should be entitled to a safe life and the opportunity to reach their full potential. EWB-SWE initiates projects aimed at ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education and opportunities in their communities.

Sustainable Practices:

We understand the intrinsic connection between social justice and environmental stewardship. We integrate sustainable solutions into our projects to ensure everyone's right to a sustainable future.

On World Social Justice Day, organizations like EWB-SWE play an important role by promoting fairness, empowerment, and justice across the globe. By working together, we can strive towards a future where everyone enjoys the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources, regardless of their origin or circumstances. Together, we can build a fairer and more inclusive society for all.

Read more about Social Justice Day on the UN.org: https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day

Article in Global Bar Magazine about Mavuno Modal Girls Secondary School

The article "Tanzania: The School Where Girls' Dreams Take Flight," by Elin Persson in Global Bar Magazine, highlights the success of Mavuno Modal Girls Secondary School in Tanzania, which has been significantly supported for many years by EWB Sweden in cooperation with EWB Germany.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Located in the Kagera region near Lake Victoria, the boarding school for girls offers education and protection against early marriage, a common practice in rural areas despite being illegal before age 18. The school, celebrated for its empowered students and dedicated teaching staff, ranked 53rd out of 5,060 high schools in national exams. Key to its success are the self-motivation of the girls, who see education as a pathway out of poverty, and the strong community ownership of the school, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. The school also addresses challenges such as menstrual hygiene and access to clean water, significantly improving attendance and health outcomes. Through education, the school aims to provide a foundation for girls to achieve their dreams, becoming leaders and professionals in their communities.

GLOBAL BAR MAGAZINE

Global Bar Magazine is Sweden’s leading magazine on global issues, aiming to cover global development issues with a focus on the Global South, development cooperation, sustainability, new solutions and human rights. Most of the articles are in Swedish, there are articles in English and Spanish as well. The magazine has 30 000 readers per month.

Envisioning a Sustainable Future: The International Day of Clean Energy

The United Nations General Assembly declared January 26 as International Day of Clean Energy to commemorate the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009. In a world that faces the daily impacts of climate change, there is an urgent need to transition towards a sustainable energy system. This day is a moment when nations, communities, and individuals unite and commit to working for a sustainable future. 

The Importance of Clean Energies

Adopting clean energy would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by up to 70 gigatonnes by 2050. This is essential to limit global warming and reduce the impact of climate change.

What is Clean Energy?

First of all, we need to distinguish between Clean Energy and Renewable Energy. Renewable energies base their production and origin on a natural source, such as water, wind, among others. The source of these energies is inexhaustible. Clean energy is generated and consumed using methods that do not generate carbon dioxide or any other type of polluting substance for the environment. For this reason, clean energy helps us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our environmental impact, promoting long-term sustainability.

Types of Clean Energy

1. Solar Energy: Solar energy uses solar radiation to produce electricity using photovoltaic panels. In addition, solar thermal energy uses the heat of the sun to produce steam and generate electricity.

2. Wind Energy: Wind energy uses wind energy to produce electricity using wind turbines. These devices convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.

3. Hydropower: Hydropower uses the kinetic energy of moving water to produce electricity, controlling the flow of water for continuous energy production.

4. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy depends on the Earth's internal heat. It uses thermal energy stored underground to produce electricity or provide heat.

5. Biomass Energy: Biomass uses organic materials such as agricultural or forestry residues to produce energy through controlled combustion or conversion to biogas.

6. Wave Energy: Wave energy harnesses the movement of ocean waves to generate electricity. Although still in its development stages, wave energy has great potential to complement other clean energy sources.

7. Energy from Ocean Currents: Using technologies such as underwater turbines, the energy generated by ocean currents can be used to produce electricity.

In conclusion, the path to sustainability requires the work and cooperation of all sectors of society. Governments need to develop policies that incentivize clean energy, businesses need to prioritize sustainability, and individuals can contribute by making conscious choices in their daily lives. The International Clean Energy Day is not just a celebration; it is also a call to action, a reminder that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow. This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the energy transition, symbolizing hope, unity, and commitment to taking concrete steps towards a more sustainable future.

The transition to clean energy is an investment in the well-being of future generations. It's an opportunity to reshape our economies and societies. The Day of Clean Energy serves as a call to action, encouraging governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in and support the growing green economy.

“Engineers Without Borders was the obvious choice…”

Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) expresses its deep gratitude to Mr. Staffan Truvé, co-winner of the prestigious 2023 Polhemspriset award, who generously donates his part of the prize sum consisting of 125,000 SEK to our organization.

Staffan Truvé, the co-founder and CTO of Recorded Future, was recognized for his groundbreaking work in real-time cyberattack detection and analysis.

Staffan Truvé

Polhemspriset, one of Sweden's most esteemed technology awards, has a rich history of honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's technological advancement. It is administered by Sveriges Ingenjörer and recognizes those who have propelled Sweden's technical development forward.

“I was honoured to receive the Polhem Prize, and wanted to use the prize to support a good cause that also show the impact engineering can have on helping humanity, and with those conditions Engineers Without Borders was the obvious choice,” says Staffan Truvé.

Staffan Truvé's exceptional donation will greatly support EWB-SWE in its mission to address global challenges through humanitarian engineering and sustainable solutions. We applaud Mr. Truvé's commitment to making the world a better place through his generosity and groundbreaking work.

Watch the film with this year's Polhem Prize winners Christopher Ahlberg and Staffan Truvé where they talk about their innovation and their journey with the company Recorded Future - the world's largest privately held intelligence service, with 17,000 customers from around the world.

Exceptional Academic Achievement at Mavuno Modal Girl’s Secondary School

We are delighted to announce a remarkable achievement at Mavuno Modal Girl’s Secondary School, the project in focus of our current winter campaign. In the recent national exams for Form 2 students, the school secured an outstanding 53rd place out of 5060 secondary schools in Tanzania.

This achievement is especially significant considering that many of the girls studying at the school come from village schools with limited resources, and some are orphans or hail from economically disadvantaged families.

The school has a long-standing history of delivering exceptional academic results, showcasing the transformative power of education in rural and underprivileged regions. This achievement highlights the importance of supporting schools like Mavuno Modal Girl’s Secondary School and promoting extended education opportunities for girls. It underscores the positive impact of our donor community, whose contributions are making a significant difference in the lives of these students and their communities.

We are immensely proud of Mavuno Modal Girl’s Secondary School  academic excellence, and we remain committed to continuing our support for their educational endeavors. Our ongoing project focuses on the construction of a new high school building to expand and enhance the school’s facilities. Together, we are building a brighter future for these girls and their community. 

Stay tuned for more updates on our winter campaign and the impact your donations are making.

Read more about our school project here

Brainpod at Engineering Day: Perspectives of the Engineer’s role in the climate transition→

Listen to our pod session at Engineering Day/Ingenjörsdagen on November 23, exploring perspectives of the engineer’s role in the climate transition. Hosted by Caroline Edelstam, Secretary General of EWB-SWE, with prominent guests from the European Commission, Norden International, KTH, STING, and Womengineer.

Guests in this pod session were:

Erik von Pistohlkors, Deputy Head of Representation at the European Commission in Sweden.

Mats Hellström, Chairman of Norden International and Sweden’s former Minister of Foreign Trade, European and Nordic Affairs, and Sweden’s former Minister of Agriculture.

Terrence Brown, Professor in Technology-based Entrepreneurship at KTH.

Karin Ruiz, ClimateTech Lead at Sting.

Marie Ideström, founder and CEO of Womengineer.

We would like to extend a warm thank you to our guests for their participation, and to Max Persson and Linus Persson at Ingenjörsdagen for this great opportunity and for creating such a great event for partners and visitors alike.

Celebrating the Power of Collective Action: International Volunteer Day

In a world filled with challenges—inequality, global warming, injustice—we all carry our baggage. But where some feel a burden, others discover their strength and find inspiration to take action.PHOTO:UNV

This year, as the world commemorates International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5, the focus is on the transformative power of collective action — a theme that resonates deeply with Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE). With the underlying message of 'if everyone did,' this day highlights the limitless possibilities of volunteerism in driving positive sustainable development, fostering inclusive societies, and addressing global challenges.

At EWB-SWE, we proudly stand as a testament to the power of volunteerism. Our organization is driven by the commitment of volunteers - from professional engineers to other specialists, and dedicated students in major university cities. These individuals form the backbone of our operations, embodying the spirit of volunteerism in every project and initiative.

862.4 million volunteers worldwide

According to the 2022 report by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), there are approximately 862.4 million volunteers worldwide, with most volunteering informally among individuals. While 14.3% of the global population engages in this informal volunteering, 6.5% participate in formal volunteering through organizations. Interestingly, while formal volunteers predominantly consist of men, women are more likely to be informal volunteers.

Volunteers play a crucial role

Volunteerism stands as a renewable resource for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Volunteers are often the first responders in crises, demonstrating immense resilience and dedication in testing situations. Their role is crucial in building inclusive, peaceful societies, and in achieving goals like universal education, environmental sustainability, and public health.

Driving positive change

This International Volunteer Day, EWB-SWE joins the global community in recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of volunteers. Our own volunteers, through their expertise and commitment, play a pivotal role in our efforts to create sustainable solutions and drive positive change. Their collective actions reflect the theme of this year's IVD: the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when everyone contributes.

#IfEveryoneDid

We would like to join in acknowledging volunteers worldwide by using the hashtags #IfEveryoneDid and #IVD2023. This day, mandated by the UN General Assembly, is not just an occasion to celebrate volunteer efforts but also to share values, promote work in communities, and collaborate with NGOs, UN agencies, government authorities, and the private sector.

In line with the UNV's advocacy for volunteer recognition and its integration into development programming, we at EWB-SWE continue to mobilize volunteers, harnessing their potential to contribute to sustainable development. This International Volunteer Day, let us all acknowledge and celebrate the power of collective action and the remarkable difference each volunteer can make in creating a better world for all.

Caroline Edelstam, Secretary-General, Engineers Without Borders Sweden

Throw Back to Engineering Day!

Engineering Day 2023 is over. We would like to thank everyone who participated in our pod session and debate article, plus all the interested visitors to our little EWB-SWE “booth”, all the interesting speakers, and of course the people behind Ingenjörsdagen – Thank you for a great event! We will share a few photos from the event by courtesy of Ingenjörsdagen.

Congratulations to the winners of the Grand Prize for Engineering 2023.

Inclusion – Binette Seck, Space Academy

Innovation – Team EasyMining, Ragnsells

Leadership – Olof Johansson, Trafikverket

Role model of the year – Thomas Dalmalm och Per Vedin, Trafikverket

Sustainability – Fredrik Jonsson och Patrik Sundberg, Skellefteå Kraft

Student – Paula Runsten och Felix Kruse, Rebaba

Opinion: The Engineering Crisis Threatens Sweden's Future

Sweden, the land of peace and innovation. Sweden, where unicorns stand in a row. Our companies have flourished on the global stage thanks to our skilled workforce. The legendary entrepreneur Jason Calacanis once said that there are only two places for investors: Silicon Valley and Stockholm.

Today, along with the rest of the world, we face significant challenges. Challenges that could be solved with the help of technology and engineering. However, the current situation, with a severe shortage of engineers, threatens not just Sweden's success but also the future of the world.

The shortage of engineers is not news. For decades, companies, universities, and research institutes in Sweden have struggled to find enough technical competence to drive their projects and businesses forward. However, it is clear that the government's actions in recent years have not been sufficient to meet this challenge. 

One of the most critical issues is the Swedish bureaucracy and its slow handling of education and workforce immigration. It is absurd that companies in desperate need of engineers are forced to wait months, sometimes years, for the necessary permits to be processed. In a global context where technological development is fast, every lost day is a lost competitive advantage.

Another aspect of the engineer shortage that deserves special attention is the uneven representation of genders within the technology sector. Women still constitute a minority among engineers, and this is an issue that concerns not only fairness and equality but also the loss of the benefits of diversity. New perspectives are required for further innovation.

The necessity of engineers extends beyond the economy. In the transition towards a climate-smart world, where we must develop and implement new technologies to reduce our environmental impact and preserve the planet's resources, engineers play a crucial role. They are the ones who design and implement sustainable energy solutions and create innovative methods to reduce our climate impact.

Addressing climate change and building a sustainable future requires increased engineering competence and efficient management of technological innovation. Therefore, the government should see the shortage of engineers as a matter of both economic competitiveness and climate protection and take action accordingly. It is high time to ensure that we have the necessary resources and talents to meet the challenges of the future.

The government should consider tax incentives for companies that invest in technical skill development and hire more engineers. This would encourage companies to prioritize technical competence and help to educate and recruit more engineers. The government should also consider mentoring programs where senior female engineers can support and mentor younger ones, thereby giving them the experience, guidance, and, most importantly, comradeship that can be lacking for female engineers.

In the end, this is about ensuring Sweden's future and our economic survival. We can no longer ignore the problem of the shortage of engineers, and it is high time we begin to act with the urgency that the situation demands. Sweden deserves its place as a world leader, but only as long as we invest in our own population. It's time for the government to wake up.

Signed by:

Caroline Edelstam, Secretary-General for Engineers Without Borders

Mats Hellström, Chairman of Norden International, former Minister for Foreign Trade and Agriculture in Sweden, Ambassador and UN delegate

Marie Ideström, Co-founder and CEO of Womengineer

Linus Persson, Founder of Ingenjörsdagen / Engineering Day Sweden

Shiva Sander-Tavallaey, AI Specialist and Adjunct Professor at KTH

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