Message from the President, IABSE
The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering is delighted to be invited to India again by the Indian Group for the IABSE Congress in New Delhi in September 2023. This will mark the 10th anniversary since the last time an international IABSE event was hosted in India, which was the very successful Kolkata Symposium on 'Long Span Bridges and Roofs' in 2013. Before that, the Indian Group of IABSE had already organised and hosted three important IABSE events – all in New Delhi: The 14th Congress on 'Civilisation through Civil Engineering' (1992), the IABSE Colloquium 'Foundation for Major Bridges: Design and Construction' (1999) and the IABSE Conference 'Role of Structural Engineers towards Reduction of Poverty' (2005).The theme of the coming IABSE Congress in New Delhi is 'Engineering for Sustainable Development', and it follows the tradition outlined by the previous events, while at the same time marking an increased focus on sustainability in every aspect and in every phase of a project's life cycle.
The Organising Committee, chaired by Mr V.K. Rajawat, and the Scientific Committee, chaired by Dr. H. Subbarao, are preparing a very engaging programme with important topics ranging from engineering education, development of design codes and standards for sustainability, life cycle of structures, climate change impact on structural safety, materials and technology, conventional and special structures. Transportation structures, heritage structures, urban habitat and smart cities are also in the scope.
This will be an excellent opportunity for civil and structural engineers, architects, representatives of public agencies, academia, contractors, suppliers, and associated professionals interested in the proposed topics to share knowledge, build international relationships, and to promote cooperation to provide solutions supporting the global sustainable development agenda.
The slogan 'Incredible India!' is being promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and it captures the country's heritage, culture, and hospitality, as well as its natural scenery and unique ecosystems. The social events planned during the Congress are designed to showcase what Incredible India has to offer visitors.
On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank the Indian Group for organising the Congress in New Delhi in 2023. I look forward to reconnecting with our members and to welcoming new participants in New Delhi. A special invitation goes to young engineers born in or after 1989 to sign up and enjoy the Young Engineers Programme, as well as the networking opportunities with experienced members of the profession. Please join us!
Tina Vejrum President -Elect, IABSE
Message from the Conference Chair, Organising Committee
The Indian National Group of the IABSE and the Organising Committee take great pleasure in extending you a warm invitation to the IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023 on “Engineering for Sustainable Development” from 20th September (Wednesday) to 22nd September (Friday), 2023. India is a vast country having magnificent heritage as well as modern structures. While planning and designing structures, their sustainability and coexistence with the environment, whilst fulfilling the need of the society are to be given due consideration and importance. The main goal of the Congress is to create a forum for the debate on why sustainability with respect to environment, culture and social needs is important. Role of engineers is vital in addressing not only the bridge and structural engineering issues, but also basic human needs such as alleviating poverty, supplying clean water and energy, responding to natural disasters, constructing resilient infrastructure, and bridging the development divide among people and many other actions, leaving no one behind.
The Congress shall focus on the most significant issues of our time that of sustainability and role of the engineer in accomplishing this goal. It is hoped that the Congress will serve as a platform for Governments, Engineering Organizations, academia and educational institutions, and industry to forge global partnerships and strengthen collaborations so as to deliver on the global sustainability development agenda.
Besides the deep intellectual discussions at the Congress itself, you will be treated to a socio-cultural feast, be it museums, historical and religious places, arts and crafts, marketing and shopping, street food, etc. New Delhi, the capital city of India has a history dating back 3000 years with a wonderful blend of historical monuments, temples, gardens and modern civil engineering structures. Modern Delhi can boast of a 350 km long metro rail network, and expanding, with 3 million daily ridership, an extensive road network, exclusive green areas, modern luxury hotels as well as business centres. The monsoon in New Delhi recedes in late September, and the post-monsoon season continues with pleasant weather.
Going further, if you choose to, you can take in some of the best tourist attractions near Delhi like - Taj Mahal and Fort at Agra, rich heritage of Rajasthan, Himalayan foothills in the North. These are on offer as comfortable post-Congress Tours. For accompanying delegates, there will be a number of special tours planned to keep them engaged and have a glimpse of the rich heritage and culture of Delhi.
The Organising Committee is making all efforts to ensure that the best available arrangements are made for the Congress. A number of cultural evenings showcasing rich Indian tradition of dance and music are also planned to entertain you.
We are confident that this Indian experience will be a memorable for you and look forward to welcome you in New Delhi in September 2023.
Mr. PVVSS Ravi Prasad
Chair, Organising Committee, New Delhi
Message from the Conference Chair, Scientific Committee
On behalf of the Scientific Committee, I am very pleased to invite you to the IABSE Congress in New Delhi, India from 20th September (Wednesday) to 22nd September (Friday), 2023 on Engineering for Sustainable Development. The Congress is being organised by the Indian National Group of the IABSE.The main theme is “Engineering for Sustainable Development”, a theme most pertinent and relevant to our times. Whilst the various sub-themes will have an emphasis on sustainability issues, in keeping with the UN’s declared Sustainable Development Goals; there is also the possibility of traditional topics and sub-themes.
The Technical Programme will include renowned Keynote Speakers, Plenary and Parallel Sessions, and technical visits will be organised. All written papers submitted are peer-reviewed by the Scientific Committee. Session formats will be paper presentations, panel discussions, special forums, Young Engineers Programme and workshops. In addition, there will be outstanding Key Note addresses. The large majority of the presentations will be delivered orally in normal sessions, nevertheless, special sessions will take place as well.
Commissions & Task Groups of IABSE can apply to have their own special sessions. Keynote Speakers will introduce relevant topics to the theme and give state of-the art lectures. We have also organized a Technical Exhibition showcasing the latest developments, which will offer tremendous opportunities for networking, collaboration and furthering your business prospects.
More detailed information will be available in the Final Invitation and at the Congress website: www.iabse.org/NewDelhi2023.
We look forward to your contribution and participation in the IABSE Congress 2023 and to meeting you in New Delhi. We are eager to welcome you!
Dr. H Subbarao
Chairman of the Scientific Committee