The FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference 2026 in New Delhi examined how engineering, finance, technology and stronger institutions can build a resilient future in uncertain times.

If diplomacy builds bridges between nations, engineering lays the foundation of strong infrastructure globally. Immediately after the BRICS Summit, India hosted the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference (GIC) in New Delhi. Organised by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), it was the first time in FIDIC’s history that its flagship annual event returned to a previous host city after a 16‑year gap. The New Delhi edition was held in association with the Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI).

Outlining priorities at the General Assembly, Susanna Zammataro, Chief Executive Officer, FIDIC, said these included consolidating FIDIC’s position as a trusted global body, adapting to stakeholder demands, making its tools available and stepping up advocacy. “We have reached out to more than 160 countries,” she noted.

The conference opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. In his welcome address, Alfredo Ingletti, President, FIDIC, said geopolitical uncertainty and the climate crisis were reshaping the sector. These challenges, he added, could be “addressed, mitigated and made manageable through the work of engineers”.

Guest of Honour Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, said global value chains had broken down and been replaced by protectionism and tariffs, even as artificial intelligence (AI) and technology surged. He also noted that India aimed to expand its infrastructure 16-fold over the next 21 years.  

Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, urged the ecosystem to move from retrospective to preventive justice as projects scale up. He argued that frameworks should identify and address concerns early through communication and dispute‑avoidance mechanisms.  

Financing discussions highlighted the scale of the challenge, with the world estimated to require US$4–7 trillion annually in infrastructure investment. Another plenary examined AI and digital transformation, including digital twins and AI‑driven design tools.  

Day two opened with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who challenged engineers to look beyond strength, safety and durability towards the wider human purpose of infrastructure.  

Sessions also examined risk management, procurement, project preparation and skills for sustainable delivery. Prashant Kapila, Managing Director, Intercontinental Consultants & Technocrats, and President, CEAI, said the talent shortage was not just about numbers but about rapidly changing industry requirements.  

Alongside the plenaries, 11 parallel sessions covered topics from resilience to integrity in projects. FIDIC also signed a memorandum of understanding, with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to strengthen resilience to climate and disaster risks.  

Summing up, Kapila told Construction World, “We must be mindful of the legacy we leave behind for the next generation, and that’s the common thread that binds all of us together.” The next FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference will be held in Rome in October 2027.

- Manish Pant