2023 Pre-Annual Meeting Webinar: “Partnering for Environmental Protection: Role of Contractors in Building Environment Friendly Infrastructure”

Tuesday, 2nd May 2023, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm KSA time

1. Context and rationale

This proposed webinar is addressing the need for environmental protection and is being organized in collaboration between the Project Procurement & Financial Management (PPFM) Division of the IsDB and the Federation of Contractors in Islamic Countries (FOCIC).

The environmental impact of construction is huge. The construction industry is responsible for substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, construction and demolition waste. This industry also accounts for significant consumption of energy and fresh water supplies.

Green Public Procurement (GPP) is a critical concept and key driver in MDBs procurement reforms to meet SDG 12.7.  Over the years, most MDBs have considered Environmental Requirements in their New Procurement framework and member countries have adopted environmental laws and regulations to protect natural resources and minimize irreversible undesirable changes.

Therefore, promoting understanding of Environmental Requirements and enhancing collaboration amongst MDBs, architects, engineers, building designers, contractors and material manufacturers is key to protection of the environment.

2. Issues to be Addressed

  • Role of the FOCIC as a federation bringing together contractors’ federations from 27 IsDB Member Countries.
  • International best practices in environmental risk assessment and management for developmental projects,
  • IsDB’s environmental requirements in the New Procurement Framework of 2019.
  • Actions to be taken by Contractors when implementing projects to ensure environmental protection.

2023 Pre-Annual Meeting Webinar: “Management of the Food Security Crisis and Preparation for the Future”

Thursday, 27th April 2023, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm KSA time

1. Context and rationale

This proposed webinar is addressing the role of Consulting Engineers in managing the food security crisis and is being organized in collaboration between the Project Procurement & Financial Management (PPFM) Division of the IsDB and the Federation of Consultants in Islamic Countries (FCIC).

The Islamic Development Bank Group has endorsed a $10.54 billion comprehensive Food Security Response Programme (FSRP) fund that will support member countries in addressing the ongoing food crisis and, most importantly, scale up the Group’s continued efforts to contribute to strengthening its members’ resilience to food security for the future.

International conflicts, high energy cost, and bad weather have driven global food prices to levels not seen in recent years. Food cost increases and scale of price spike stemming from the Russa-Ukraine war was estimated to have pushed more than 40 million people into extreme poverty in 2022.

2. The key questions to be addressed

  • How can consulting engineers influence national food security policies – what are the best practices?  What roles can Consulting Engineers play when setting up development policies?
  •  How can we maximize the contribution of consulting engineers to the design and implementation of food security projects and programs financed by MDBs? 
  • How are national, regional, and international consulting engineers supporting their members in this field?
  • How can we strengthen the partnerships between consulting engineers and MDBs in delivering sustainable and evidence-based solutions to addressing challenges around food security?