Engineers Without Borders National Conference will bring together EWB members, students and professionals interested in learning, sharing their interests and deepening their commitment to achieving positive change in the world. Delegates will learn about and debate ideas for improving the knowledge and physical resources of people in need, discuss how to best educate the Australian community on issues of sustainability, and hear presentations on appropriate technology, poverty reduction and human development.

The conference theme of Laying the Foundations will encourage our delegates to reflect on the fundamental prerequisites to successful development work. Generally engineers tend to be technology, solution and outcome focused. This Conference will highlight the people-centred considerations that need to be a priority when working with communities. In 2007 the EWB Conference will explore three themes over three days:

Engaging with Community - As development practitioners our challenge is to achieve the best possible outcomes for communities. Although this is a simple mission statement, achieving it requires constant reflection and deliberation. To help us lay the foundations for productive engagement with communities, day one of the conference will focus on participatory approaches, valuing local knowledge and aspirations, the role of appropriate technologies and how we evaluate impact.

Working in the World - Development work does not happen in isolation. The world around us is undergoing dramatic change and those least equipped to deal with instability often feel its harshest consequences. Presenters will encourage delegates to reflect on the interaction of the natural environment, geo-political interests and conflict situations with people in developing communities. We will explore how appropriate development can build resilience and lay the foundations for a sustainable and secure future.

Response-Ability - How are we, as concerned Australians, able to respond? Fundamental to our vision is our conviction that each individual has the ability and the responsibility to make a positive impact in the world. On the final day, presenters will explore strategies for making this vision a reality. Delegates will learn from people and organisations who are leading the way in responding to complex problems and be inspired to take their own next step.