AC 2007-1233: CIVIL ENGINEERING IN 2025: THE VISION AND HOW IT WAS DEVELOPED

In June 2006, a diverse group of civil engineering and other leaders, including international participants, gathered to articulate an aspirational global vision for the future of civil engineering. Summit participants saw a very different world for civil engineers in 2025. An everincreasing global population that is shifting even more to urban areas will require widespread adoption of sustainability. Demands for energy, transportation, drinking water, clean air, and safe waste disposal will drive environmental protection and infrastructure development. Society will face increased threats from natural events, accidents, and perhaps other causes such as terrorism. Informed by the preceding, an aspirational global vision was developed that sees civil engineers entrusted by society to create a sustainable world and enhance the quality of life. Civil engineers will do this competently, collaboratively, and ethically as master builders, environmental stewards, innovators and integrators, managers of risk and uncertainty, and leaders in shaping public policy. Summit organizers and participants intend that the vision will guide policies, plans, processes, and progress within the civil engineering community and beyond including around the globe. Individual civil engineers and leaders of civil engineering organizations should act to move the civil engineering toward the vision.