F.I.D.I.C. (International Federation of Consulting Engineers)

The importance of international standards in the engineering industry

As a result of a search for independent expert consultants for the World Fair Exhibitions in 1913, a number of consulting engineers met to discuss the possibility of forming a global Federation.

The meeting was a success in that it led to the formal constitution on 22 July 1913 of FIDIC, Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs Conseils, or later, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers.

The founding principles adopted were Quality, Integrity, and Sustainability. There were 59 participants at the inaugural meeting; official delegates from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA. Three countries, Belgium, France and Switzerland decided to found the Federation. The other countries maintained provisional links during the initial years. However, due to the World Wars and other major political disturbances, FIDIC development was slow until the late 1940’s. The number of member countries changed constantly, and all came from Europe. In 1959, they were joined by Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the USA. This made FIDIC a truly international Federation.

The Federation developed gradually over the years into a truly global organisation with Member Associations representing countries from all regions of the world. Today, more than ever, the role of FIDIC has become essential for the consulting engineering industry. FIDIC not only represents the countries where Member Association are located, it has become the voice of the consulting engineering industry in a globalised world.

For instance, FIDIC partnership with the World Bank and other Multinational Development Banks working in the different geographical regions ensure the application of international standards designed by engineers for engineers to finance and deliver the world infrastructure. Other FIDIC partnerships with the United Nations and international humanitarian organisations allow the industry to join forces with other sectors to achieve common goals!

Dedicated professionals from consulting engineering firms and associations contribute day-to-day with their work to develop and promote FIDIC over the world: the FIDIC President, the FIDIC Board, members of FIDIC committees; members of task forces and working groups; FIDIC Directors and Secretaries, FIDIC Past Presidents; FIDIC Adjudicators; FIDIC Accredited Trainers; and Young Professionals. FIDIC is, today, the result of a century of volunteer and committed leadership! Its core principles remain unaltered after 100 years: Quality, Integrity and Sustainability.