Future Leaders Booklet 2025 - Society and Digital - Final by FIDIC

FIDIC Future Leaders –

Infrastructure in an increasingly diverse and digital society

A FIDIC Conference Booklet prepared by the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council

September 2025

I am pleased that the Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC) is represented strongly at the 2025 FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference through a newly revamped session on the Sunday entitled “FIDIC Insight to the Future and FLMC 2025 Workshop Presentation,” previously the Future Leaders Symposium.

The aim of this rebrand will be to attract more people to attend the Sunday programme and further expand the reach of the Future Leaders’ session.

The FLAC and the conference provide the opportunity for the future leaders of our industry to participate actively in FIDIC with their peers and to develop as the next generation of leaders in the consulting engineering and wider infrastructure sector. This publication forms part of this remit. It is important that Future Leaders’ voices are heard if the industry is to move towards the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), net zero and beyond whilst incorporating new technologies, challenges and uncertainties.

This year marks another important milestone and a first for us. Not only is it the ninth year of publishing our booklet, but we have continued the successful trend from 2024 where we published, not just one, but three booklets around different themes. What an achievement!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that lead the Future Leaders Advisory Council before me, the team around the FLAC and the secretariat at FIDIC, who have all supported the bold aim for this programme to go from an ambitious idea to the achievement it is today.

The three booklet themes this year, I believe, represent the breadth and importance of the challenges we are facing. They are:

• Planning, procuring and delivering tomorrows infrastructure

• Advancing infrastructure and engineering sustainability

• Infrastructure in an increasingly diverse and digital society

We are now only five years away from the 2030 SDGs goals and net zero is also increasingly just over the horizon. The work we are doing today will form part of our net zero future and so it is important we are proactive in everything we design to meet such a goal.

Meeting global net zero targets will require a fundamental transformation of the infrastructure sector, both in the way assets are designed and in how they are delivered, maintained and operated.

Achieving these goals demands not only technological innovation but also systemic change across procurement, supply chains and regulatory frameworks. In this context, the role of young professionals and future leaders becomes increasingly significant, as they bring new perspectives, adaptability and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches.

Artur Brito

Chair - FIDIC Future Leaders Council

Foreword

Young professionals are entering the sector at a pivotal moment, with the opportunity to influence infrastructure planning, design and delivery in ways that lock in low-carbon outcomes for decades to come. Their familiarity with emerging digital tools, data analytics and sustainable materials provides an advantage in accelerating the adoption of greener solutions. Moreover, their active engagement in cross-disciplinary collaboration, working across engineering, environmental science, policy and finance will all play a key role in helping to bridge the gaps between sectors.

To fully realise this potential, the sector must invest in developing the skills, confidence and influence of its emerging workforce. This involves creating structured opportunities for young professionals to contribute to strategic decision-making, providing access to mentoring and leadership programmes and fostering workplace cultures that reward innovation and climate-conscious thinking.

Equally, industry leaders and policymakers must ensure that future leaders are empowered to take bold, evidence-based decisions, even when these challenge established norms. By equipping the next generation with the tools, authority and platform to lead, the infrastructure sector can better navigate the transition to net zero.

The conference theme, Smart Infrastructure: Equality, Resilience and Innovation for a Sustainable World, could therefore not be more apt or vital at such an important time. We hope that you enjoy reading the articles that FIDIC’s Future Leaders have prepared and find the content and context both interesting and valuable as we move towards a more sustainable, equitable and possibly technology-driven future.

Recognised Authors

Acknowledging the seriousness of the challenges we face in the sector, the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council wanted to provide a platform for future leaders in the consulting engineering industry to share, reflect and come forward with new ideas or challenges.

We invited future leaders to reflect on the challenges and how we can not only approach the future but also consider that a different approach will also have additional or new benefits to economies, societies, and nature as a whole.

It is important that as a sector and as a society, individuals look forward to the opportunities in the V-U-C-A (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world despite how it impacts consulting engineering, infrastructure development, attraction, retention and development of Future Leaders.

We would like to highlight the contribution of those authors selected by the FLAC for inclusion in this booklet. They have provided us with opinions, experiences and innovative ideas on how to evolve and adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

Authors:

• Jyothsna Amrith, India (current location)/Denmark

• Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

• Irene Yeboah, Ghana

• Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei, Ghana

• Princess Makolo, Botswana

• Enoch Oduro Afriyie, Ghana

• Cheltia Lartey, Ghana

• Maureen Mwangi, Kenya

• Nana Yaw Ofori, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Investing in Tomorrow's Rails: AI as the catalyst for sustainable and equitable infrastructure

Jyothsna Amrith, a chartered professional and accomplished operations director for India CTR at SYSTRA, is currently on secondment from Systra Denmark. With over 14 years of extensive global experience in railway infrastructure, she oversees international projects and acts as a key liaison with SYSTRA Global. Her expertise spans complex rail systems across the UK, Norway, Denmark, India, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, with a deep specialisation in track systems design and management.

Passionate about digital transformation and AI, Jyothsna builds resilient, future-ready transportation networks driving socio-economic development. A sought-after speaker on various forums, including equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), her impactful contributions have been recognised with prestigious accolades like the FIDIC Future Leaders Award (2023) and Denmark’s Young Advisor Award (2023).

Having served as a board observer at FIDIC in 2024, Jyothsna's blend of global experience, strategic vision and hands-on approach makes her a standout leader dedicated to advancing railway engineering and fostering the next generation of industry talent.

Introduction

The global railway sector is at a defining inflection point. Accelerating urbanisation, climate volatility, aging infrastructure and intensifying demands for efficient and sustainable transport have exposed the limitations of traditional rail paradigms. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not merely an emerging technology, it is a transformative enabler.

Drawing on over 15 years of international experience delivering complex railway megaprojects across the UK, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, this paper contends that the strategic, ethical deployment of AI offers the greatest contemporary investment in infrastructure, positioning rail as a pillar of smart, sustainable, resilient and equitable societies worldwide1. The imperative is urgent. Now is the time to invest in tomorrow’s rails, with AI as the cornerstone of smart, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure globally.

1. Ficzere, P., The role of artificial intelligence in the development of rail transport, December 2023, Link

Jyothsna Amrith, India (current location)/Denmark

Recognised Authors

Investing in Tomorrow's Rails: AI as the catalyst for sustainable and equitable infrastructure

The AI imperative in railway infrastructure: Quantifiable impact and strategic value

AI offers unprecedented potential to optimise asset performance, enhance safety, enable predictive maintenance and reduce environmental impact across the full railway lifecycle. There is a shift from reactive to proactive management.

• Predictive maintenance and asset optimisation: Traditional, time based maintenance practices lead to inefficiencies and disruptions. AI, leveraging IoT sensors and historical data, enables predictive maintenance by identifying anomalies and forecasting equipment failures. This dramatically reduces unplanned downtime by 50-70% and cuts maintenance costs by 20-30%2,3. For expansive global networks, these translate into substantial annual savings and significantly increased operational availability. Embracing these capabilities, Deutsche Bahn effectively integrates AI for track predictive maintenance, enhancing network reliability4. In Japan's high-speed rail, AI systems rigorously monitor bullet train components for minimal service disruption5. Indian Railways has reported a 15% increase in locomotive uptime and a 20% reduction in maintenance costs via AI-powered predictive solutions6. The deployment of AI/ML for Vande Bharat trains in India exemplifies proactive fault resolution, preventing delays and underscoring universal applicability7

• Optimised operations and energy efficiency: Greener and leaner railways: AI revolutionises operations for sustainable transit

o Traffic management: AI algorithms analyse real-time data, predict congestion, and dynamically optimise routing to minimise delays8. In dense urban networks like Denmark's, AI reduces delays by 15-25% and augments capacity by up to 10%9. Across Asia and Europe, AI-driven passenger flow forecasting models have notably improved platform clearance and mitigated crowding, enhancing passenger experience10,11

o Energy management: AI optimises train acceleration, braking, and speed profiles based on real-time conditions. Projects globally consistently demonstrate 10-18% energy consumption reductions for electric trains10. These support expanding electrified networks and national net zero targets, as exemplified by India's aim for Net Zero Carbon Emission by 203012

• Enhanced safety and security: A proactive shield: AI provides robust, data-driven accident prevention and security, transforming reactive responses into proactive safeguarding.

o Obstacle detection: AI-powered vision systems detect track anomalies and obstacles with precision, triggering immediate alerts or automatic braking11. Global implementations lead to significant reductions in track obstruction incidents, enhancing operational safety13. Specialised AI systems, such as those implemented by Indian Railways, mitigate wildlife-related accidents, notably reducing elephant deaths through trackside detection14

2. Accenture, AI in Rail: Driving the Future of Mobility, 2021.

3. McKinsey & Company, The Future of Infrastructure: Navigating the New Normal, 2020.

4. Sopra Steria, How AI improves reliability and efficiency at Deutsche Bahn, May 19, 2025, Link

5. Rail Ministry, The Future of Railways: A Global Push Toward AI-Driven Automation, April 22, 2025, Link

6. InovarTech, Revolutionizing Indian Railways with AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance: Ensuring Efficiency for the World's 4th Largest Network, 2025.

7. Times of India, Indian Railways Revolutionizes Vande Bharat Operations with AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance, November 3, 2024, Link

8. Raj, T., Predictive Maintenance in Railways Using Deep Sensor Analytics, 2025.

9. Deloitte, The Future of Rail: Digitally Transforming the Railway, 2021.

10. IMPRI, AI- Based Predictive Analytics Of Visitors To Public Places And People Management In India, April 30, 2025, Link

11. Assert AI, Enhancing Passenger Flow and Safety in Mumbai's Railway Stations with AI-Powered Analytics, April 8, 2025.

12. International Union of Railways (UIC), Railway Handbook on Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions, 2022.

13. Railway Gazette International, Innovations in Railway Safety Technologies, 2023.

14. New Indian Express, Indian Railways launches AI-driven system for preventing elephant, wildlife deaths on railway tracks, March 22, 2025.

Recognised Authors

Investing in Tomorrow's Rails: AI as the catalyst for sustainable and equitable infrastructure

o Predictive risk assessment: AI analyses vast data to identify and predict high-risk segments, potentially lowering major incident rates by 10-15%15. Automated Train Protection (ATP) systems, integrated with AI, like India's indigenous Kavach system, actively prevent collisions and enhance safety, setting a precedent for global adoption16. AI-powered surveillance systems are also crucial for improving safety and security at stations and along corridors, including Bengaluru Metro and European counterparts17

o Cybersecurity: As railway infrastructure digitises, robust cybersecurity is paramount. AI provides advanced threat detection and response for critical operational technology (OT) systems18. AI for cybersecurity is projected to reduce successful cyberattacks on rail infrastructure by up to 30%19. Practically, AI/ML-based systems, like India's IRCTC, effectively combat fraudulent activities and unauthorised access in ticketing, blocking millions of fake IDs20

Beyond the tracks: Quantifiable socio-economic returns on AI investment

AI’s profound ripple effect extends beyond operational parameters, making a direct, quantifiable contribution to broader societal wellbeing and future readiness across continents.

• Environmental sustainability: Reduced energy consumption and optimised operations directly translate into a significantly lower carbon footprint for the global railway sector. AI-enhanced freight movement encourages a systemic shift from road to rail, critical given rail is four times more energy efficient and generates 75% less CO2 emissions per tonne-kilometre than road transport18. This transition is vital for achieving global climate objectives.

• Economic growth and regional development: Reliable, efficient AI-empowered rail networks fundamentally facilitate trade, commerce and labour mobility globally. AI-driven operational efficiency directly fosters economic growth, with every dollar invested in rail infrastructure estimated to generate an impressive $3-$4 in broader economic output21. Strategic AI adoption creates new, high-value jobs globally, with projections indicating a 5-10% increase in specialised roles22

• Social inclusion and equity: AI-optimised rail connectivity promotes equitable access to essential services and employment, particularly in underserved regions and diverse urban landscapes. Smart station management and AI-driven accessibility solutions enhance passenger experience, potentially increasing public transport ridership by 5-10%23. Notably, Indian Railways deploys multilingual AI services for digital inclusion across 22 Indian languages24,25, a model applicable to other linguistically diverse nations.

• Resilience in climate change: AI crucially enhances infrastructure resilience against climate change impacts. By analysing climate patterns and historical events, AI predicts potential infrastructure impacts from extreme weather, enabling proactive adaptive measures in network design and maintenance. This makes railways 20-30% more resilient to climate-related disruptions globally26, a critical advantage for all regions facing increasing climatic variability.

15. Association of American Railroads, Railroad Safety Statistics, 2022.

16. Rail Analysis, Kavach: Advancing Safety and Automation in India's Rail Systems, June 12, 2025, Link

17. Urban Acres, Bengaluru Metro Steps Up Security With AI CCTV, May 10, 2025, Link

18. Digital Transit, Cybersecurity in Rail and CyRail AI platform details, June 4, 2025, Link

19. IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report, 2023, Link

20. Economic Times, IRCTC deploys AI-based solution to curb illegal booking practices, blocks 3.5 crore fake IDs, June 4, 2025, Link

21. American Public Transportation Association, The Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment, 2020.

22. World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report, 2023.

23. International Association of Public Transport (UITP), Public Transport: The Backbone of Sustainable Cities, 2021.

24. OpenGov Asia, Innovating Multilingual AI Solutions for Indian Railways, June 10, 2025, Link

25. Railway Supply, Indian Railways to Deploy Multilingual AI for Digital Inclusion, June 11, 2025.

26. Network Rail, Climate Change Adaptation Report, 2023, LinkAssociation of American Railroads, Railroad Safety Statistics, 2022.

Recognised Authors

Investing in Tomorrow's Rails: AI as the catalyst for sustainable and equitable infrastructure

The role of Future Leaders: Navigating the AI frontier with strategic foresight

Realising this AI-driven future for railway infrastructure demands visionary leadership and strategic investment in human capital and governance frameworks. Future Leaders must focus on several critical areas:

• Ethical AI governance: Establishing robust frameworks for data privacy, algorithmic bias mitigation and transparent decision-making is paramount to ensuring AI serves all equitably27,28. Strategic approaches emphasising responsible AI, such as India's "Responsible AI for All" initiative, are crucial for promoting safety, reliability, equality, inclusivity, privacy, security, transparency and accountability29,30. These frameworks are vital for global AI adoption.

• Skill development: Continuous investment in workforce reskilling and cultivating new talent for AI-powered systems is essential, fostering continuous learning31,32. National initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and specialised global academic programmes across continents bolster these efforts33,34, addressing the global skills gap.

• Collaborative ecosystems: Fostering dynamic partnerships across government, private industry, academia, and technology providers accelerates innovation and knowledge transfer35. Collaborative initiatives demonstrably reduce R&D cycles by 10-15%36, driving rapid advancements in rail AI globally.

• Policy and regulatory agility: Advocating for progressive policies supporting AI integration while meticulously ensuring safety and ethics is fundamental. This necessitates developing adaptive regulatory frameworks that keep pace with technological advancements33. A pragmatic, pro-innovation stance, exemplified by evolving AI regulation in nations including India and European Union guidelines, balances technological progress with public safety and ethical oversight37

Conclusion

Investing now for a better future in global railway infrastructure fundamentally necessitates embracing AI as a core enabler of smart, sustainable and equitable development. Through strategic, ethical AI deployment in predictive maintenance, operational optimisation, and advanced safety, the industry constructs not merely better railways, but profoundly better societies, fostering robust economic growth, promoting rigorous environmental stewardship and significantly enhancing global quality of life. This strategic investment promises exponential returns and represents an undeniable imperative for every future leader within the railway and infrastructure sectors.

27. ITF, ITF Policy Recommendation Concerning the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Transport Authorities, May 22, 2025.

28. Numalis, The Ethics of AI in Transportation: Balancing Safety, Privacy, and Fairness, January 21, 2025, Link

29. NITI Aayog, Responsible AI for All, February 2021.

30. NITI Aayog, National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, March 2023, Link

31. Global Railway Review, How AI is putting the railway industry back on track workforce impact, 2024.

32. GSDC, Revolutionizing Railways: How Learning & Development Is Powering the Future of the Rail Industry, 2024, Link

33. PIB, India's AI Revolution, March 6, 2025, Link

34. IIT Madras, Professional Certificate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science with GenAI Applications in Rail, 2025.

35. Amrith, J., Personal Project Data from Scandinavia/India Interface initiatives, 2017.

36. PwC, AI Predictions: Navigating the AI Transformation, 2022.

37. Outlook Business, Indian Government Endorses Use of AI to Ensure Road Safety, Curb Traffic Rules Violations, October 25, 2024.

Recognised Authors

In social sustainability in smart infrastructure: A global analysis of equality, resilience and innovation

Introduction

Social sustainability is integral to smart infrastructure, ensuring equitable societal benefits and leveraging advanced technologies for resilience and innovation. This study examines how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), fair wages, wage parity and mentoring enhance infrastructure outcomes, focusing on equality and resilience.

Through comparative analysis of seven global projects, this paper evaluates implementation strategies and impacts. Findings indicate that social sustainability drives innovation, workforce stability and community trust, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 11 (Sustainable Cities). The study advocates for global adoption of these practices for sustainable infrastructure development.

Smart infrastructure integrates advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and user experience. Its societal impact critically depends on social sustainability, prioritising equitable access, fair labour practices, and capacity building. This global analysis investigates how DEI, fair wages, wage parity and mentoring contribute to equality, resilience and innovation in infrastructure projects, aiming to identify best practices and propose a framework for global integration.

Theoretical framework: Social sustainability in infrastructure encompasses ethical labour practices, inclusive design and workforce development. Diverse teams enhance innovation by 15%38, and fair wages/wage parity increase productivity by 20%39. Mentoring reduces turnover by 25% in technical sector40, fostering expertise. Wage parity mitigates inequality and boosts moral41. Smart infrastructure amplifies these benefits through technologies that enhance accessibility and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring technological advancement serves human-centric outcomes.

Methodology: This qualitative study employs a comparative case study approach, analysing seven infrastructure projects selected for geographic diversity, documented social sustainability practices and relevance to smart infrastructure. Data were synthesised from project reports, government publications and peer-reviewed literature to assess DEI, fair wages, wage parity and mentoring impacts on project success, measured by completion timelines, workforce stability, community benefits and SDG alignment.

Jyothsna Amrith, India (current location)/Denmark 38. Harvard Business Review. (2018). Diversity Drives Innovation.

Recognised Authors

In social sustainability in smart infrastructure: A global analysis of equality, resilience and innovation

Case studies: A global perspective

Bybanen Light Rail, Norway: Bybanen integrates BIM and 96% renewable energy42. Its universal design, with step-free access and tactile guidelines developed with disabled people's organisations43, ensures broad accessibility. A multicultural workforce fostered innovation44. Norway’s labour laws ensured fair wages and wage parity, achieving 98% workforce retention45. Outcomes include a 15% ridership increase and 85% community approval46.

Jakarta MRT, Indonesia: Operational since 2019, Jakarta MRT serves 250,000 daily passengers, reducing congestion with smart ticketing and real-time data47. Accessibility features like elevators and tactile flooring ensure inclusion48. A diverse workforce operates in an open, cooperative environment49 Internship programmes mentored students, reducing external expertise reliance by 10%50. Adherence to Indonesian labour standards suggests fair wages51. The MRT increased public transport access for low-income groups by 20%52

Smart city initiatives, United Kingdom: UK smart city initiatives, including London, Bristol and Sunderland, integrate urban efficiency with social wellbeing53. Bristol's programme prioritises "people over technology" and is a Living Wage City54, leveraging open data and IoT for energy reduction and citizen sensing53. Sunderland's Digital Inclusion Programme directly addresses digital exclusion, providing internet access, training and devices to vulnerable populations, upskilling over 1,526 individuals and improving digital confidence55,56. Hull's Smart City OS integrates council IT systems for real-time public service management53.

Smart city initiatives, India: India's Smart Cities Mission shifted from building new cities to renovating existing ones, providing core infrastructure and promoting "Inclusive Housing" and "Citizen-Centric Governance"57,58. The concept of "Smart-Wise Inclusive Cities" aims to manage new technologies for social goals like inclusion and anti-poverty59. The Delhi Metro, however, faces criticism for unaffordability and class segregation, alienating working-class populations and largely overlooking transgender identities60. In contrast, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) aims to foster "greater social inclusion and integration" by improving access to employment and healthcare, and creating jobs61,62,63. Bhubaneswar's Smart City Project emphasises "participatory decision-making"64 and initiatives for senior citizens and community toilets65

42. Bybanen Utbygging. (2022). Universal Design in Bybanen. Link

43. Norwegian Federation of Organizations of Disabled People. (2021). Bybanen Collaboration. Link

44. Bybanen Utbygging. (2023). Project Completion Report. Link

45. Bybanen Utbygging. (2023). Labor Standards. Link

46. Bergen Kommune. (2024). Bybanen Impact. Link

47. Jakarta MRT. (2023). Annual Report. Link

48. Jakarta Travel Guide. (2018). MRT Accessibility. Link

49. Jakarta MRT. (2023). Career Programs. Link

50. Jakarta MRT. (2023). Career Programs. Link

51. Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. (2023). Labor Standards. Link

52. Asian Development Bank. (2023). Jakarta MRT Social Impact. Link

53. Cambridge MC. (n.d.). Are Smart Cities in the UK About to Become a Reality? Link

54. Bristol City Council. (n.d.). Bristol Global City.

55. Smart Cities World. (n.d.). How smart city life is transforming futures across Sunderland. Link

56. Smart Cities World. (n.d.). How smart city life is transforming futures across Sunderland. Link

57. Citiesabc. (n.d.). New Smart Cities in India.

58. The Wire. (2024). An Unceremonious End to Modi's Smart Cities Mission. Link

59. The University of Manchester. (n.d.). Smart-Wise Inclusive Cities in India. Link

60. Doing Sociology. (2024). Delhi Metro: A Sociological Appraisal. Link

61. SleepyClasses. (n.d.). Mumbai Trans Harbour Link UPSC.

62. Projects Mirror. (n.d.). Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu): Enhancing Connectivity and Development.

63. MyGov.in. (n.d.). Mumbai Smart City Initiative through Citizen Participation.

64. Smartcities.gov.in. (n.d.). Bhubaneswar Smart City Proposal.

65. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. (2018). Newsletter_3_2018_English.pdf.

Recognised Authors

In social sustainability in smart infrastructure: A global analysis of equality, resilience and innovation

Smart city initiatives, Denmark: Danish smart city initiatives, particularly in Copenhagen and Aarhus, link carbon neutrality with quality of life. Copenhagen aims for carbon neutrality by 202543,44, implementing smart streetlights for safety66 and multi-functional infrastructure like the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant, which includes a ski slope67,68. Aarhus adopts a "Scandinavian third way" model based on "user involvement"69,70, providing affordable housing and utilising digital technology as a "friendly helper" for social benefits71. The "Muni" chatbot provides inclusive digital public services72. Plan International Denmark's 'Safe and Inclusive Cities' (SAIC) programme focuses on making cities safer and more inclusive for young people, particularly young women, through youth-led safety mapping and training public transport drivers, resulting in increased feelings of safety and youth employment73

Gautrain, South Africa: The Gautrain employs a comprehensive socio-economic development strategy emphasising diversity, equity and mentoring74. It achieved 30% female representation in leadership75 and fair wages/wage parity were mandated by labour laws76. A women’s learnership and mentorship programme trained 200 individuals77. The project reduced unemployment by 12% and increased property values by 15%78

TransMilenio, Colombia: Bogotá’s TransMilenio bus rapid transit system integrates universal design and smart ticketing for accessibility79. It targets diverse stakeholders through engagement programmes80. A gender equity and inclusion policy and discounted fares promote equity81. Training for 11,200 staff addressed antidiscrimination and accessibility82. A pilot scheme enables elderly and disabled vendors to generate income83. TransMilenio improved quality of life for 30,000 low-income residents84

Comparative analysis of social sustainability drivers

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives: DEI varies from foundational universal design (Bybanen, TransMilenio) to broader digital inclusion (Sunderland) and support for diverse communities (Bristol, Aarhus)53,54,55,72. This reflects an expansion of DEI beyond physical access to encompass digital literacy and recognition of marginalised identities.

Fair wages and wage parity: Fair wage and wage parity effectiveness is influenced by national regulations. Norway, South Africa, and Denmark embed this as standard practice, ensuring workforce stability44,55,76. In India, while Jakarta MRT adheres to standards, Delhi Metro highlights how economic policies can undermine equitable access due to unaffordability60

Mentoring and capacity building: Mentoring fosters local expertise and long-term sustainability. Jakarta MRT’s internships reduced external reliance49, Gautrain's women's learnership enhanced local capacity77, and TransMilenio's extensive staff training improved service delivery82. These investments in human capital are crucial for resilience.

66. Wonderful Copenhagen. (n.d.). Copenhagen and sustainability.

67. HEC. (2021). Copenhagen-Smartcities-the-sustainable-program-six-leading-cities-soreport-20212.pdf.

68. Metro Service. (2023). CSR Report 2023. Link

69. MDPI. (2023). The Scandinavian Third Way as a Proposal for Sustainable Smart City Development—A Case Study of Aarhus City. Link

70. Business Region Aarhus. (n.d.). World leaders in smart city solutions.

71. City of Aarhus Business. (n.d.). Partnerships. Link

72. Eurocities. (n.d.). Aarhus. Link

73. Urban Agenda Platform. (n.d.). Plan International Denmark's 'Safe and Inclusive Cities'. Link

74. Gautrain Management Agency. (2019). Economic and Social Impact. Link

75. Gautrain Management Agency. (2023). SED Strategy. Link

76. South African Department of Labour. (2023). Wage Compliance. Link

77. GreenEconomy.Media. (2021). Gautrain Empowerment. Link

78. Gautrain Management Agency. (2024). Impact Assessment. Link

79. 2TransMilenio. (2017). Informe de Gestión. Link

80. Inclusive Infrastructure. (2019). TransMilenio Case Study. Link

81. TransMilenio. (2019). Gender Equity Policy. Link

82. TransMilenio. (2017). Staff Training Report. Link

83. TransMilenio. (2023). Vendor Program Report. Link

84. Bogotá Municipality. (2024). Urban Impact Report. Link

Recognised Authors

In social sustainability in smart infrastructure: A global analysis of equality, resilience and innovation

Societal impacts and SDG alignment: Project success extends beyond economic metrics. Bybanen achieved high ridership and community approval46. Jakarta MRT increased public transport access for low-income groups15. Gautrain reduced unemployment20 and TransMilenio improved quality of life for low-income residents26. Sunderland's digital inclusion upskilled individuals33, and Plan International Denmark's SAIC programme reduced urban violence52. These outcomes align strongly with SDG 10 and SDG 11.

Amplification by smart technologies and contextual adaptation: Smart technologies consistently amplify social sustainability. BIM in Bybanen, smart ticketing in Jakarta MRT, and real-time systems in Gautrain improve accessibility and efficiency. Hull's Smart City OS and Aarhus's Muni chatbot demonstrate technology's role in improving public services27,49 Effective implementation, however, demands adaptation to local contexts. The "Scandinavian third way" in Aarhus, with user involvement46,47, contrasts with challenges in India’s Smart Cities Mission, where class segregation has been observed.

Discussion: Social sustainability transforms smart infrastructure, enhancing equality, resilience and innovation. DEI fosters trust and innovation9,30. Fair wages and wage parity improve productivity18. Mentoring builds capacity19,24. Smart technologies amplify these benefits, aligning with SDG 10 and 11. Cultural and regulatory variations, however, are needed to necessitate context-specific strategies. The integrated "co-benefits" approach in Denmark offers a compelling model44,51. Future research should quantify economic returns and develop standardised, yet adaptable, frameworks for global adoption.

Conclusion

Social sustainability is indispensable for smart infrastructure, ensuring equality, resilience and innovation. The comprehensive analysis of projects across Norway, Indonesia, the UK, India, Denmark, South Africa and Colombia demonstrates how DEI, fair wages, wage parity and robust mentoring programmes drive measurable positive outcomes.

Smart technologies consistently amplify these social benefits, making infrastructure more accessible, efficient and responsive. The effectiveness of such approaches is, however, profoundly shaped by national regulatory frameworks, cultural contexts and governance models. Prioritising these practices is essential for creating resilient, inclusive and truly sustainable urban systems that deliver equitable and lasting societal benefits, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognised Authors

Promoting ethical labour practices in infrastructure projects: Building responsible and inclusive workplaces

Antoinette Gabby Hayes, is a social and gender safeguard analyst at Constromart Africa and has extensive experience in multilateral funded projects in this role. She has a master’s degree in gender peace and security and a bachelor’s in political science and sociology.

Antoinette is deeply committed to creating sustainable, strategic and climate-resilient solutions that promote social inclusion and gender empowerment in developing communities. Antoinette is a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment and the Association for Women’s Rights in Development as well as the secretary of the Ghana Consulting Engineers Future Leaders Group.

Irene Yeboah is an environmental and social risk analyst at Constromart Africa in Accra, Ghana. She holds an MSc in urban management and development (urban environment sustainability and climate change option) from Erasmus University and an integrated development studies from the University for Development Studies.

Irene is adept in climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental and social impact assessment, and preparation of environmental and social management plans and implementation. She is a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, International Association for Impact Assessment and International Water Association working on Multilateral Development Bank funded projects as environment and social safeguards analyst and assistant urban planner on other projects. Her research focuses on embedding social sustainability in development projects to a sustainable society. She is passionate about sustainability and protecting the interest of people especially the vulnerable in making society a better place.

Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei is an environment and sanitary engineering specialist at Constromart. She holds an MSc in water sanitation and health engineering from the University of Leeds and a BSc in environmental science from KNUST. Jacqueline is a FIDIC Certified Consulting Professional (FCCP) and a member of the International Water Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

She is also an alumna of the FIDIC Future Leaders Management Course. With a focus on water and sanitation solutions in developing countries, Jacqueline has worked on various Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) projects, including landfill design, E-waste management solutions, and organic waste management technology. In addition to her professional work, she is actively involved in industry development initiatives, such as serving on the FIDIC Africa committee for integrity, quality, risk and standards and being vice president of the Ghana Consulting Engineers Future Leaders Group.

Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

Irene Yeboah, Ghana

Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Promoting ethical labour practices in infrastructure projects: Building responsible and inclusive workplaces

Introduction

The infrastructure sector serves as a foundation for socioeconomic development, however, some aspects harbours labour exploitation in execution. Forced labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking somewhat persist beneath the polished narrative of progress. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO)85, over 28 million people globally are engaged in forced labour, and the construction sector is particularly susceptible due to its reliance on large labour forces and complex transnational supply chains. These abuses challenge the ethical foundations of infrastructure projects and undermine their long-term resilience and legitimacy.

As the industry embraces the imperatives of sustainable development, confronting modern slavery becomes a critical facet of responsible project delivery. Modern slavery, in its many hidden forms, continues to infect global infrastructure development. This paper explores how unethical labour practices are embedded in the supply chains of construction and infrastructure projects and analyses their root causes, social impacts and the institutional reforms needed to address them. By integrating ethical procurement, technological oversight, worker empowerment, and collaborative governance, stakeholders can work toward a future where infrastructure not only serves economies but also upholds human dignity.

The hidden architecture of exploitation

Modern slavery in infrastructure projects takes on multiple forms. One of the most prevalent is forced labour, where individuals are made to work under threats, coercion, or actual violence. Debt bondage, another predominate form, involves workers labouring under the weight of recruitment debts that they must repay through often underpaid and exploitative work. Migrant labourers, drawn from low-income countries are particularly vulnerable with many subjected to trafficking, having their passports confiscated and working in unsafe and degrading conditions. Furthermore, infrastructure projects often involve a multilayered network of subcontractors and within this web, accountability becomes obscured. These dynamics create fertile ground for exploitation, especially in jurisdictions where labour laws are weak or poorly enforced86.

The enablers of modern slavery in the infrastructure sector

The persistence of modern slavery is no accident it is sustained by systemic pressures and governance failures. Competitive tendering processes often favour the lowest-cost bids, incentivising contractors to cut corners, including ethical ones. Global supply chains, while economically efficient, are opaque and difficult to monitor, making it challenging for developers to trace labour practices. In regions where enforcement of labour laws is inconsistent or under-resourced, regulatory gaps further erode protections. In some cultural contexts, exploitative labour practices are even normalised, diminishing both the urgency and visibility of the problem. Compounding these issues is the silencing of worker voices. Many labourers, especially undocumented migrants, fear retaliation or dismissal if they report abuse87.

Consequences for infrastructure projects and stakeholders

The human cost of these abuses is intense and includes physical injuries, psychological trauma and long-term disempowerment. Beyond the ethical crisis, there are serious practical implications. Infrastructure projects tainted by labour exploitation risk reputational damage, investor withdrawal and legal consequences. Public trust may erode when allegations surface and governments may be held accountable for failing to uphold human rights standards.

Moreover, the quality and safety of such projects are compromised when exploited workers, often undertrained and overworked, are responsible for crucial construction tasks88. As sustainability and environmental, social, and governance criteria gain prominence in investment decisions, ethical labour practices are becoming a prerequisite for funding and project credibility.

85. ILO. (2022). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. Geneva: International Labour Organization

86. Crane, A., LeBaron, G., Allain, J., & Behbahani, L. (2019). Governance gaps in eradicating forced labour: From global norms to local practices. Regulation & Governance, 13(1), 86–106

87. eBaron, G. (2018). The role of supply chains in the global business of forced labour. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 54(2), 27–42

88. United Nations. (2011). Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. New York and Geneva: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Recognised Authors

Promoting ethical labour practices in infrastructure projects: Building responsible and inclusive workplaces

Pathways to ethical transformation

A fundamental reorientation of infrastructure governance is required. Transparent and ethical procurement processes should become standard. This includes rigorous disclosure of supply chains and labour conditions and the integration of social sustainability clauses into project contracts. The UK’s Modern Slavery Act, which mandates companies to report their anti-slavery measures, illustrates how policy can drive change across industries89.

Technology offers powerful tools for accountability. Blockchain systems and mobile auditing platforms can trace materials and labour flows with high precision. Geo-tagged attendance systems ensure real-time verification of labour presence, while anonymous reporting tools allow workers to flag abuse safely90. But technology alone cannot safeguard dignity. Workers must be informed of their rights, granted access to legal support, and allowed to organise collectively. Education, fair recruitment practices and multilingual contracts are essential components of this empowerment. Likewise, meaningful reforms require independent oversight. Community organisations, labour inspectors, and NGOs play a vital role in verifying compliance and supporting workers in navigating grievance mechanisms91.

Engineering ethics and the role of international organisations

International organisations such as FIDIC are uniquely positioned to lead cultural and procedural shifts in the engineering sector. FIDIC has consistently embeded anti-slavery education in its ethics curriculum, includes standardised human rights clauses in its suite of contract templates and advocated for an industry-wide code of conduct. Engineers, especially the new generation of practitioners, should view human dignity as intrinsic to infrastructure performance. Every bridge, road, or power line should stand not only as a feat of engineering but also as a testament to fair and humane labour practices.

Conclusion

Modern slavery in infrastructure is neither accidental nor inevitable. It is a consequence of systemic neglect, economic pressure and institutional apathy. Yet, by embedding transparency, technological oversight, worker empowerment and civil society engagement into the basis of project delivery, stakeholders can dismantle the conditions that allow exploitation to flourish. Confronting this challenge is not merely a question of compliance; it reflects our shared conscience and collective legacy.

89. UK Home Office. (2020). Transparency in supply chains: A practical guide. London: Home Office

90. Gold, S., Trautrims, A., & Trodd, Z. (2020). Modern slavery challenges to supply chain management. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 25(6), 589–607

91. ILO. (2019). Ending Forced Labour by 2030: A Review of Policies and Programmes. Geneva: International Labour Organization

Recognised Authors

Advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in Botswana: A data-driven path to net zero

Princess Makolo is a civil engineer at Bothakga Burrow Botswana, specialising as a structural engineer. She has over two years’ experience as a civil engineer. She holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Botswana. She has a strong believe in sustainable designs. On 6 March 2025, she conducted a presentation at the Botswana’s Engineering Registration Board week. Her topic of presentation was Engineering solutions for today for tomorrow on sustainable road designs in Botswana. Recently, she conducted a presentation on a showcase series Episode 1 FLs in Action for climate change. Her topic of discussion was Designing Climate Resilient Buildings in Botswana.

Princess Makolo is the Association of Consulting Engineers Botswana Future Leaders mentorship committee lead, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to mentoring aspiring engineers in tertiary institutions. It also mentors children in high schools both senior and junior schools.

Botswana is at a critical juncture in its infrastructure development, facing intensifying climate threats such as droughts, floods and heatwaves. This paper presents a refined roadmap for sustainable and resilient infrastructure in Botswana, integrating policy, technology and quantifiable frameworks like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)92 and Building Information Modelling (BIM). It showcases successful local innovations while benchmarking global best practices to align with the FIDIC vision sustainability, quality and integrity on the path to reducing carbon, meeting the SDGs and reaching net zero.

Botswana has made meaningful strides toward a sustainable infrastructure future. To be globally competitive and contribute effectively to the UN’s SDGs, however, a more rigorous, data-driven and internationally benchmarked approach is essential.

Climate urgency and infrastructure

Botswana has witnessed infrastructure strain due to climate-related events. Urban flooding caused by inadequate drainage, prolonged droughts affecting energy and water infrastructure and rising temperatures emphasise the need for adaptive design strategies.

Policy framework for net zero and decarbonisation

Botswana's 2018 National Climate Change Policy93 and the upcoming National Sustainable Built Environment Strategy create a supportive legal environment. These are backed by the 2012 Environmental Assessment Regulations and the Botswana Green Building Council. A critical policy advancement would include mandating LCA and BIM in all public infrastructure projects.

Integration of LCA and BIM in green infrastructure development

LCA provides a method to evaluate environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. Integrating BIM and LCA can enhance decision-making, allowing Botswana to better quantify carbon emissions and resource efficiency.

• Case for LCA: By adopting LCA like the EU and Asia, Botswana can ensure accountability in resource use and emissions.

• BIM-LCA synergy: Digital modelling integrated with environmental performance assessments improves transparency and efficiency.

92. Guinee, J.B. et al. (2011). Handbook on Life Cycle Assessment. 93. Ministry of Environment (2021). Botswana Climate Change Policy.

Princess Makolo, Botswana

Recognised Authors

Advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in Botswana: A data-driven path to net zero

Case studies: Botswana’s

pioneering green projects

• Mashatu Terrace: Botswana’s first net zero carbon and 5-Star As-Built rated project demonstrates feasibility through smart design and policy alignment.

• Prime Plaza and PWC headquarters: Green-certified commercial buildings showing gradual mainstreaming of sustainability.

• Gaborone’s green spaces: Buildings like the Botswana Innovation Hub and Motswere Building incorporate nature-based design like green roofs, water harvesting.

Circular economy and legal innovation

• Circularity: Enviro Recovery Botswana and Green Loop are local champions converting waste into construction inputs.

• Legal Tools: Peo Legal’s green conveyancing framework ensures sustainability at the real estate transaction level.94

Renewable energy and decentralisation

Botswana’s energy policy encourages net metering and supports companies like Botala Energy. This aligns infrastructure with decentralised, clean energy supply, reducing grid vulnerability. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience Botswana is integrating NbS such as urban greening, stormwater gardens and ecological corridors into urban planning. These help absorb runoff, mitigate heat islands and restore biodiversity. For instance, green roof initiatives in public buildings and the use of bioswales in Gaborone’s new developments are early examples.95

Comparative benchmarking and global learning

To advance further, Botswana must learn from:

• EU Horizon 2020 Projects: Integration of LCA in policy,96, 97

• South Africa’s GBCSA: Robust rating tools and public-private green initiatives

• Nordic Countries: Nature based, low-carbon infrastructure models.

Recommendations for scalable implementation

These recommendations include legally mandated LCA in public projects, Build BIM-LCA capacity in engineering curricula, offer tax rebates for green-certified projects, develop local carbon databases for building materials, facilitate regional technical knowledge exchange via FIDIC platforms and expand NbS adoption through municipal incentive schemes.

Quantified impact examples

• Mashatu Terrace’s net zero design saves an estimated 210,000 kWh/year in energy.

• Projected emissions reduction for upcoming Botala Energy solar integration: 18,000 tons CO2e annually98

• Buildings implementing NbS report up to 30% reduction in peak temperature load.

Conclusion

Botswana is progressing toward resilient and smart infrastructure but must deepen its technical capabilities and benchmark against global standards. By embedding LCA, scaling renewable energy integration, adopting nature-based solutions and fostering a circular economy, Botswana can become a replicable model for Africa and beyond.

94. Peo Legal. (2023). Green conveyancing in Botswana.

95. Boranabi, K. (2022). Botswana’s green building future. Mmegi.

96. Karkour, S. et al. (2021). LCA in Africa: Challenges and opportunities.

97. European Commission. (2020). Horizon 2020 Programme.

98. Nhede, N. (2024). Botala Energy wins solar bid. Energy Capital & Power.

Recognised Authors

Social sustainability in smart Infrastructure; Building equity into the digital future

Enoch Oduro Afriyie is a civil engineering graduate and project support personnel in the building and structures uUnit at Constromart Africa. He holds a B.Sc. in civil eEngineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Enock has experience in structural design and detailing using Tekla and ETABS. His background includes structural analysis, field assessments and academic research in water and sanitation infrastructure.

Cheltia Lartey is a social development professional in the environment and social risk management unit at Constromart. She holds an MA in law and development as well as a BSc in development sStudies. She is passionate about advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion in the infrastructure sector.

Enoch Oduro Afriyie, Ghana

Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

Cheltia Lartey, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Social sustainability in smart Infrastructure; Building equity into the digital future

Introduction

Smart infrastructure is revolutionising urban living through technology-driven development. Genuine sustainability, however, extends beyond environmental and economic aspects to encompass social wellbeing. This social dimension, rooted in Diversity, Equity nd Inclusion (DEI), fair wages, and mentorship, ensures that smart infrastructure benefits all, particularly historically marginalised groups99. Consequently, truly smart cities must prioritise fairness, representation and compassion alongside efficiency

The social challenge in the smart city age

The goal of smart infrastructure is to use automation and data to address urban issues. It can, however, increase already existing disparities if a strategic DEI approach is not taken. The elderly, people with disabilities, low-income residents and women, are mostly excluded from the advantages of innovation due to digital divides, unequal access and non-inclusive planning100

Citizen ratings range from passive dissatisfaction where oppressed groups are unaware of their exclusions, to active dissatisfaction, which includes mistrust in the government and disengagement from procedures. Smart infrastructure has the potential to covertly perpetuate social injustice in the absence of inclusive governance101

DEI: The heart of social sustainability

When it comes to project implementation, leadership and urban design, diversity is defined as representing the diverse realities and identities of the populace. Equity guarantees that everyone gets what they need to prosper, which may not be the same for everyone, but reflects what is fair and just. All people can participate in, contribute to and benefit from smart infrastructure projects when they are included. According to Amartya Sen's102 capability approach, socially sustainable cities need to provide everyone with the freedom and opportunity to live fulfilling lives. This includes designing cities based on actual needs rather than solely on theoretical efficiency.

Irene Yeboah, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Social sustainability in smart Infrastructure; Building equity into the digital future

Building inclusive infrastructure: Five strategies

Creating inclusive infrastructure means more than simply building roads, bridges, or digital networks, it requires intentional strategies that ensure everyone, regardless of background or ability, can participate and thrive. Below are five key approaches that lay the foundation for equitable and sustainable development:

• Community engagement and empowerment: Stakeholder engagement consistently assists in giving rise to ownership and trust. The poor and the marginalised must be included, heard, and consulted for effective planning

• Closing the digital divide: Access to devices and other forms of digital literacy is essential. Clever initiatives should focus on both hardware and human capacity to ensure that none is excluded.

• Inclusive governance: Social equity key performance indicators tracking institutions must be created by cities, ensure DEI enforcement policies are enforced and reward private sector initiatives aligning with social goals.

• Accessibility by design: Infrastructure such as public transit systems must incorporate diversity by upgrading from physical wheelchairs to multilingual digital services as infrastructure must be physically, culturally and technology- driven.

• Mentoring and fair compensation: Fair compensation motivates workers, while mentorship opens leadership opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups. Such frameworks are endorsed by the ILO and UN-Habitat and are termed sustainable development essentials103

103. UN-Habitat (2021). Inclusive Cities for a Better Urban Future

Recognised Authors

Social sustainability in smart Infrastructure; Building equity into the digital future

Global examples that got it right

Around the world, forward-thinking urban centres have implemented groundbreaking projects that not only elevate infrastructure but also prioritise equity and community wellbeing. Here are some inspiring global examples of inclusive infrastructure done right.

• Barcelona’s Superblocks, which established car-free, pedestrian-centred zones that increased community interaction and air quality, serve as a model of how inclusive design can benefit everyone.

• Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative focuses on high-tech infrastructure and digital literacy to make technology accessible to citizens of all ages and income ranges.

• London’s Smart City Strategy brings community voices into governance through participatory tech platforms to promote inclusion in decision making.

• Medellín, Colombia remade through socially inclusive urban planning showed that creativity and equity can go together.

• Cyclists rule the roads in Copenhagen, where bike lanes are making the activity accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability and thus fostering inclusivity and health.

• Tokyo's all-inclusive design in public transport, such as tactile paving and low-floor buses, is made accessible for people with disabilities and the elderly

• Water management systems in Cape Town, which were developed in consultation with communities, focus on how to ensure fair resource access in historically neglected parts of the city that reinforce resilience.

• In Stockholm, green IT projects, focus on saving energy in IT products with environmental gains in the suburbs expected to extend throughout the inner city.

• Vancouver’s inclusive housing policies, integrate affordable units within smart urban development’s supporting diverse populations in accessing city life.

Conclusion: Inclusion is innovation

As cities increasingly embrace smart infrastructure, true sustainability hinges on a socially equitable approach that champions diversity, equity and inclusion. Without intentional strategies to bridge digital divides, ensure inclusive governance and prioritise accessible design, smart city initiatives risk exacerbating existing disparities.

By integrating community empowerment, fair compensation and mentorship, cities can foster environments where technology serves all residents, especially those historically marginalised. Global examples from Barcelona to Tokyo demonstrate that prioritising social sustainability leads to more resilient, just and thriving urban centres. Moving forward, the success of smart cities will be measured not just by technological advancement, but by their commitment to creating a truly equitable and inclusive future for everyone.

Recognised Authors

Why gender inclusivity in transport infrastructure decision-making matters

Maureen Mwangi is a licensed civil engineer and certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over five years of hands-on experience in rural road construction. She has successfully led and contributed to the implementation of several key infrastructure projects in rural Kenya.

Maureen brings proven expertise in road design, supervision and contract management. She is a registered professional engineer by the Engineers Board of Kenya and an active member of both the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and Association of Consulting Engineers Kenya (ACEK) – Future Leaders. She is deeply committed to industry advancement and serves on critical ACEK committees, including policy, standards and eEthics, as well as cCapacity building and training. Maureen is passionate about shaping inclusive, resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems that drive social and economic impact.

In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, women remain significantly underrepresented in the global transport sector, accounting for only 12% of the workforce, according to the International Transport Forum. This gender gap is even wider in senor leadership roles, where men dominate technical and policy-making positions, particularly in engineering.

Gender mainstreaming in transport leadership is crucial. Women experience mobility differently and bring valuable insights to the planning and design of inclusive, safe and responsive transport systems. Without their perspectives, institutions risk developing infrastructure that does not fully serve the needs of all users. This article examines why women’s inclusion in transport decision-making matters, the barriers to their participation and strategies to foster more equitable and representative leadership in the sector.

Why women ‘s inclusion matters in transport infrastructure

Transport is not gender neutral. Women and men have different mobility patterns, safety concerns and access needs when using transport systems. According to the World Bank, women often face unique and complex challenges related to affordability, accessibility safety concern and caregiving responsibilities, yet these are often overlooked in transport planning. When women are underrepresented, their perspectives remain invisible and gender related issues are not appreciated making it inequitable, less efficient and in some cases, unsafe.

Women ‘s perspectives ensure systems are designed with a broader range of users in mind, such as safer bus stops, well-lit stations, child friendly features and accessible entryways. Beyond improving functionality, inclusive leadership ensures transport systems reflect the diverse realities of people who rely on them every day. When women are absent from these conversations, transport systems are incomplete.

Current barriers to women’s participation

Underrepresentation in engineering

Globally, women make up roughly one-third of all STEM graduates and just 35% of engineering graduates, a statistic that has remained static for over a decade. With most technical and executive transport posts requiring an engineering background, the leadership pipeline begins with a shortfall of qualified women.

Lack of mentorship and support networks

Many women in technical studies are not aware of the diverse and rewarding career paths available to them and how to pursue them. When women are a small minority, they have fewer role models or sponsors who can nominate them into executive positions. Additionally, scarcity at the top feeds back into the bottom of the pipeline. Young women rarely see female CEOs, director generals or transport sector board chairs, so they are less likely to picture themselves in those roles and work towards them.

Maureen Mwangi, Kenya Introduction

Recognised Authors

Why gender inclusivity in transport infrastructure decision-making matters

HR policies and practices

Institutional HR policies and practices in the transport sector pose specific challenges for women who seek to balance work responsibilities with family obligations. Technical roles often include longer working hours and extended periods away from home. At the same time, many transport institutions lack family friendly policies such as flexible schedules, telecommuting options, on-site childcare facilities or generous parental leave.

Retention, career advancement and leadership

Gender stereotypes often position men as better suited to leadership and decision-making posing a key challenge to women’s career progression in transport resulting in a biased perception of women’s capabilities that may limit their opportunities for advancement. Further, some women may feel reluctant to seek promotions if they believe additional responsibilities at work or longer hours will adversely impact their family life. Managers may inadvertently exacerbate barriers to career progression by choosing not to promote women or assigning them fewer demanding roles without necessarily consulting the women involved.

Strategies for embedding gender mainstreaming in the transport sector

Set minimum quotas /targets for women’s participation on transport boards, steering committees and technical working groups.

Integrating and prioritising women in infrastructure planning boards, committees and design directly leads to gender-responsive transport policies and systems. This involves increasing women’s participation both on the demand side (as users, clients and community voices) and the supply side (as professionals in government, utilities and infrastructure service providers).

Scholarships and training for women in transport

Early-stage interventions such as scholarships and hands-on STEM exposure would help fix the pipeline. Moreover, offering tailored leadership training and coaching can further support women’s career progression in the sector. Such programmes can include workshops, seminars and one-on- one coaching sessions focused on developing key leadership skills, such as strategic thinking, decision-making and effective communication.

Engage male champions and mentors

To complement these women-focused initiatives, it is imperative to foster men champions within the workforce. Mobilising male allies and senior leaders to champion women’s leadership in transport is important by leveraging their influence to advocate for inclusive policies, sponsor talented women into leadership roles and challenge structural barriers within the transport sector. Additionally, holding trainings for men and other stakeholders on the needs of women leads to increased sensitivity and capability of institutions to better respond to women’s needs. This results in shifting social norms and increased prioritising of women’s needs in infrastructure design and delivery as well as helping reduce backlash to perceived preferential treatment of women.

Institutional and policy change

Ministries, road agencies and contractors can be supported to adopt measures in policy and commitments on gender inclusion, providing an institutional incentive that is necessary to better meet the needs of women i.e. women mobility, access to opportunities in the sector and safety.

Conclusion

Inclusive decision-making is not optional, it’s essential for sustainability, equity and impact. It is important to set measurable goals that can help establish a clear road map for strengthening gender diversity in transport leadership and provide structured framework for increasing women’s participation in the sector overall. When women are meaningfully represented in decision-making, transport solutions become safer, more accessible and responsive to diverse realities. Future leaders must dismantle structural barriers, challenge gender norms and intentionally create pathways for women to lead.

Recognised Authors

Smart signal control for resilient urban corridors: A case for Kumasi, Ghana

Nana Yaw Ofori is a civil engineer specialising in transportation systems, traffic engineering and digital infrastructure planning. He earned his BSc in civil engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Currently a graduate engineer at DELIN Consult Ltd., he has contributed to numerous national road infrastructure projects across Ghana.

His expertise includes traffic data analysis, microsimulation modelling using PTV VISSIM and intersection performance evaluation. He has supported studies for major corridors such as the Pokuase–Ritz Dual Carriageway, the Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta project and the Greater Kumasi Industrial City development. Nana Yaw is passionate about applying smart, data-driven solutions to optimise urban mobility and improve transport resilience. His work reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient infrastructure in growing urban areas, with a focus on practical solutions for African cities.

Introduction

Urban traffic congestion poses a challenge to the development of resilience in growing cities particularly in developing countries. Ghana is no exception, traditionally, its traffic control strategy consists mainly of pre-timed signal control systems. These signals lack the ability to cope with the dynamic nature and intensity of traffic within its urban areas resulting inefficiencies, delays and increased emissions. The paper explores a smart infrastructure solution using coordinated signal control. As well as exploring its validity using microscopic simulation specifically VisSim.

The study outlines a concept for evaluating and improving the performance of a key urban corridor by simulating two strategies - the current pre-timed system and a proposed actuated-coordinated configuration. Though simulation results are pending, the methodology illustrates how digital tools can enable low-cost, adaptive and sustainable traffic management, improving fuel efficiency, reducing idling emissions and enhancing corridor reliability. This approach contributes to smarter, more resilient cities without requiring high-cost adaptive technologies.

Traffic signals are generally classified into pre-timed, actuated and adaptive control systems104. Pre-timed signals maintain fixed control parameters, such as cycle length, phase splits and offsets, which must be updated periodically to match evolving traffic demands. In contrast, actuated control uses detectors to dynamically respond to vehicle presence. Adaptive signals adjust green times within pre-set minimum and maximum thresholds, providing greater flexibility in serving real-time traffic demand.

The study will focus on the solution of a coordinated actuated signals – a step further from an actuated signal on an isolated intersection – which provides signal progression along corridors by synchronizing signals while retaining detector responsiveness.

More advanced signal systems such as SCOOT and SCATS represent fully adaptive control, adjusting cycle length, phase splits, and offsets in real time using continuous traffic data105.These systems do not rely on fixed timing plans but instead use optimisation algorithms to update signal parameters every few seconds. While powerful, they require centralised software, system-wide communications, and advanced calibration, factors not currently feasible in many developing cities, including Kumasi.

104. Chia et al., 2017, Evaluation of Actuated, Coordinated, and Adaptive Signal Control Systems, 2017, Link 105. Zheng et al., 2010, Optimization of control parameters for adaptive traffic-actuated signal control, 2010, Link

Nana Yaw Ofori, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Smart signal control for resilient urban corridors: A case for Kumasi, Ghana

Case study: Ejisu–Kumasi corridor

Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana, an essential hub of economic and transportation hub. The selected corridor is a section of the N6 highway entering Kumasi, about 6.69 km from the city from the Central business. Seven signalised intersections were observed within the section of the corridor. All currently operate as isolated pre-timed intersections, with varying cycle lengths and no active coordination.

Data Collected:

• Turning movement cCounts

• Classified vehicle volumes

• Cycle length and signal timing data

Preliminary observations indicate poor progression and inefficient throughput, particularly during peak hours.

Digital simulation approach

Microscopic traffic simulation models become one of the most popular tools for traffic engineers to conduct transportation system analyses and evaluations. The microscopic traffic simulation models have been used for various occasions such as evaluating geometry changes, traffic signal timing plan updates, or the benefits estimation of new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) strategies

The proposed solution uses PTV VisSim, a microscopic traffic simulation tool that enables digital modelling of traffic systems. Two simulation scenarios are proposed:

• Scenario 1: Existing pre-tTimed sSignal control

The scenario is modelled using the data from existing conditions on the corridor. This includes the volume on the corridor, signal timings and turning movements. This scenario provides a control for the study. The model will be calibrated to emulate the site conditions.

• Scenario 2: Coordinated actuated control (with detectors and offset logic)

While fully adaptive systems like SCATS traffic and SCOOT traffic offer greater optimisation, they require centralised infrastructure not yet available in Ghana. This study instead simulates a more feasible solution, combining real-time vehicle detection and coordinated timing offsets to approximate adaptive behaviour.

Building on the previous model Scenario 2 provides a coordinated actuated signal control. The signal control can be simulated in VisSim, using its built-in logic systems. Parameters such as minimum/maximum green times and gap times can be tuned to represent a responsive behaviour.

The calibration of the coordinated actuated signal control is represented in the diagram below:

Recognised Authors

Smart signal control for resilient urban corridors: A case for Kumasi, Ghana

Scenario 2 aims to:

o Reduce delay and stops on the corridor.

o Improve level of service on the corridor.

o Reduce emissions on the corridor.

o Promote a dynamic responsiveness to traffic joining the corridor.

Conclusion

This study presents a practical, digitally enabled approach to enhancing urban traffic resilience in Kumasi through the application of coordinated actuated signal control. By leveraging real traffic data and simulating control strategies in VISSIM, the methodology provides a scalable path for optimising intersection performance, without the high costs associated with fully adaptive systems.

Future work will implement and validate these strategies through microsimulation and potentially explore integration with wider intelligent traffic strategies in the future.

About FIDIC

FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, is the global representative body for national associations of consulting engineers and represents over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 firms in around 100 countries worldwide.

Founded in 1913, FIDIC is charged with promoting and implementing the consulting engineering industry’s strategic goals on behalf of its member associations and to disseminate information and resources of interest to its members.

FIDIC member associations operate in around 100 countries with a combined population in excess of 6.5 billion people and a combined GDP in excess of $30tn. The global industry, including construction, is estimated to be worth over $22tn. This means that FIDIC member associations across the various countries are worth over $8.5tn.

Disclaimer

This document was produced by FIDIC and is provided for informative purposes only. The contents of this document are general in nature and therefore should not be applied to the specific circumstances of individuals. Whilst we undertake every effort to ensure that the information within this document is complete and up to date, it should not be relied upon as the basis for investment, commercial, professional or legal decisions.

The views expressed in any contributions and/or articles made by third parties and/or individuals are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of FIDIC.

FIDIC accepts no liability in respect to any direct, implied, statutory and/or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents. No part of this report may be copied either in whole or in part without the express permission of the authors in writing.

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International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) World Trade Center II P.O. Box 311 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland

Phone: +41 22 568 0500

E-mail: fidic@fidic.org

Web: www.fidic.org