About WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026

Invitation

The International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), and the Colombian Association of Engineering Schools (ACOFI) will host the World Engineering Education Forum, WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026, from September 22 to 25, 2026, under the central theme “Engineering Education that Transforms.”

This international event will bring together academic leaders, representatives from the productive sector, government authorities, professional associations, faculty members, students, and organizations from various regions of the world. It will provide a conducive environment for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge that drive transformation through engineering education.

The academic program of WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026 will feature panels, expert dialogues, workshops, technical sessions, and keynote lectures focused on emerging trends, innovative educational strategies, and the role of engineering in social and economic development. In addition, the forum will continue the flagship activities that have established its relevance in previous editions.

Participation modalities will include the presentation of papers on engineering education, the undergraduate student meeting, dialogues among doctoral programs, and the exhibition of research advancements. These spaces will strengthen international collaboration and promote the development of joint initiatives.

WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026 is envisioned as a strategic platform for fostering relationships among educational institutions, companies, governments, and global organizations, consolidating its position as one of the most influential venues in the field of engineering education.

The WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) will feature the participation of international leaders in the profession, who will contribute to deepening knowledge in various areas of engineering, promote interdisciplinary dialogue, and facilitate the building of cooperative alliances.

IFEES, GEDC, and ACOFI extend a cordial invitation to the global academic community, the business sector, engineering-related professional associations, governments, regional and international organizations, media outlets, and society at large to participate in this gathering that highlights how engineering education drives transformation and contributes to building a better world.

General Objective

The WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026 is an academic and global reflection space that promotes the study, analysis, debate, and dissemination of experiences on how engineering education that transforms drives creativity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, actively contributing to the construction of a better world.

Specific Objectives

  • Encourage inclusive participation from the entire engineering community: leaders, faculty, administrative staff, undergraduate and graduate students, representatives from the productive sector, government entities, and society, to present and learn about initiatives, experiences, research, and contributions that generate transformation through engineering education.
  • Highlight the contributions of engineering education through its teaching and learning processes, emphasizing its impact on the training of professionals committed to sustainable development and global well-being.
  • Explore major global challenges such as access to water, energy transition, advances in engineering for health, and the role of emerging technologies from an interdisciplinary and collaborative perspective.
  • Strengthen the academic work of engineering schools and programs by promoting cooperation among institutions and their connections with governments, international organizations, and society, in order to consolidate networks that enhance the impact of engineering worldwide.

Our Activities

  • Lectures, panels, and expert dialogues
  • Undergraduate engineering student meeting
  • Meeting of doctoral engineering programs
  • Paper presentations
  • Research advancements
  • Workshops on topics of interest
  • Certification sessions
  • Poster presentations
  • Commercial exhibition (Booth commercial)
  • Social, technical, and cultural activities

Why Participate?

By participating in WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Join the most relevant academic event for engineering schools and programs worldwide, led by IFEES & GEDC, and in this edition, supported by the experience and leadership of ACOFI as host.
  • Connect with leaders and representatives from educational institutions, international organizations, government entities, and productive sectors linked to engineering education and professional practice.
  • Learn firsthand about advancements, developments, and innovations in engineering and in the training of engineering professionals, presented by their key contributors.
  • Engage in academic spaces with experts, gaining access to their practices, perspectives, and insights across various fields of engineering.

Who Will Attend?

  • Senior leaders from higher education institutions
  • Deans, associate deans, and administrative leaders of engineering schools and programs
  • Faculty members, professionals, and researchers in the field of engineering
  • Representatives from the business and government sectors
  • Advisors, consultants, and experts in engineering education
  • Leaders and representatives of professional and academic associations
  • Research and outreach groups related to engineering
  • Engineering professional councils and societies
  • Representatives from international organizations linked to education
  • Undergraduate and graduate students from engineering schools

Dates and Locations of Activities

  • Monday, September 21 – Pre-event activities in Barranquilla and Santa Marta
  • Tuesday, September 22 – 08:00 to 18:00 in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Cartagena de Indias
  • Wednesday, September 23 – 07:00 to 19:00 in Cartagena de Indias
  • Thursday, September 24 – 08:00 to 21:00 in Cartagena de Indias
  • Friday, September 25 – 08:00 to 23:59 in Cartagena de Indias

Main Venue of the Event

The Cartagena de Indias Convention Center (CCCI) is the most important venue for events in Colombia and one of the most recognized globally. It features modern, versatile facilities that preserve their architectural integrity and tradition, with over three decades of experience hosting high-level official events from around the world—making it the ideal setting for WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026.

In addition to its infrastructure and strategic location, the Convention Center offers WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026 top-quality service, supported by a technological offering that includes a wide range of practical, innovative, and efficient solutions to ensure the successful development of the event.

Source: https://cccartagena.com/eventos/

As part of the pre-event programming for WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026, two academic activities will be held: a Symposium on Best Practices in Assessment in Barranquilla, and a Session on Engineering and Peace in Santa Marta, on September 21 and 22.

These activities, hosted in two cities renowned for their cultural, academic, and business dynamism in the Caribbean region, will expand the reach of WEEF (IFEES & GEDC) 2026, strengthen collaboration networks, and create early spaces for reflection on the event’s central themes. Detailed information regarding venues, schedules, and logistics will be shared in due course through the official event channels.

Our official logo

The logo features three primary diamonds—colored yellow, blue, and red—representing the core stakeholders (faculty, students, and the productive sector, respectively) advancing forward, illustrating the pathway of engineering education.

Its precise geometry conveys methodology, standards, and quality. The subtle wave of lines symbolizes continuous improvement and learning driven by data and practical engagement with industry.

The texture subtly references the “inclusions” found in an emerald, a nod to Colombia and how education polishes and reveals that inherent potential.

Transparencies appear at the intersections, signifying interdisciplinary learning and co-creation among faculty, students, and the productive sector; this is where theory is transformed into tangible solutions.

Collectively, the symbol affirms the promise: Engineering Education that Transforms.