New study to look at how to ensure that infrastructure in emerging economies is resilient, inclusive and fit for the future.
A new report from the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) will highlight one of the most important and pressing challenges of the current age – ensuring that infrastructure in emerging economies is resilient, inclusive and fit for the future.
The launch of FIDIC’s latest State of the World report, Infrastructure Adaptation for Emerging Economies – Scaling Sustainable Solutions, takes place at an industry webinar on Tuesday 25 June 2025 and the report is billed as offering “a clear-eyed view of the infrastructure gaps facing the global south” and proposes actionable pathways to bridge them. The report will bring together global insights on affordable and scalable technologies, climate adaptation strategies and investment models that can support sustainable growth in the face of rapid urbanisation, climate risks, and socio-economic transitions.
Infrastructure Adaptation for Emerging Economies – Scaling Sustainable Solutions will highlight the global urgency of the current situation, the growing infrastructure gap in emerging economies, the challenges brought by rapid urbanisation, population growth and climate pressures, the need for global action now, the concept of reframing infrastructure as a driver of social equity, climate justice and resilience and FIDIC’s key role in global infrastructure leadership.
A live webinar will present the report’s key findings, highlight recommendations for engineers, policymakers and investors, and open a dynamic panel discussion with global experts. Amongst a range of areas, the conversation will explore:
- Innovative and inclusive infrastructure approaches from Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
- How to build local capacity and strengthen engineering institutions.
- Tools to align infrastructure projects with climate goals and unlock resilient finance.
- The role of FIDIC and its partners in shaping a more equitable global infrastructure agenda.
The report, Infrastructure Adaptation for Emerging Economies: Scaling Sustainable Solutions, explores the urgent need and the transformative opportunities to build infrastructure systems that are not only climate-resilient and technically sound, but also inclusive and locally grounded.
For policymakers, the report will underscore that climate adaptation and social equity cannot be afterthoughts; they must be foundational principles, woven into every stage of planning, regulation and investment to align with national adaptation plans and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Engineers and FIDIC member associations are called upon to go beyond technical roles, stepping up as champions of inclusive design and climate resilience and as trusted facilitators of solutions that truly reflect community needs and knowledge.
Investors and multilateral development banks are likewise urged to reframe how they approach risk and investment strategies, ensuring that capital is accessible to the regions and communities that need it most and that projects deliver tangible social and climate benefits.
FIDIC’s State of the World series of reports focus on the key challenges and emerging issues facing the engineering, construction and infrastructure industry and highlight workable solutions and strategies to address them.
