Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on April 11, 2024
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on May 29, 2024
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 18, 2024

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) encourages the development and growth of civil engineering societies in all countries to promote communication and sharing of knowledge and experience among engineering professionals worldwide.

Where an engineering society representing the civil engineering profession exists in another country, ASCE will pursue and develop an Agreement of Cooperation with that society. Such Agreements will ensure mutual self-interest and embody terms that encourage exchange of knowledge through conferences and symposia, technical activities, publications, electronic media, personal visits, and other means as appropriate, and promote reciprocal memberships. 

ASCE will seek to expand and evolve the Agreements, when mutually beneficial, into substantive partnerships that add value by sharing existing products and services. and Such effort may include development of an international civil engineering Body of Knowledge (BOK) for anyone working in the profession, thereby enhancing professional practice around the world. Under such Agreements, ASCE will extend hospitality, courtesies, and guest privileges to members of partner societies who attend ASCE functions in the United States and abroad and participate in technical activities through ASCE Institutes and their technical committees.

Issue

There are many countries throughout the world that have engineering societies representing the civil engineering profession. There is a significant opportunity for ASCE to collaborate with these societies and their members to share knowledge and experience on a worldwide basis. 

Rationale

"The advancement of the science and profession of engineering to enhance the welfare of humanity" is the objective of ASCE, as established in the Constitution of the Society. ASCE promotes the advancement of civil engineering by the study of technology and scientific principles and organizes meetings, visits, conferences, other technical and professional functions, and publishes material of interest to its members. Participation of engineers from all parts of the world enriches these efforts.

Reciprocal international participation in professional engineering organizations provides opportunities through which ASCE can regularly contribute to the exchange of engineering information, as well as the facilitation of international cultural understanding. Through Agreements of Cooperation, the bond of professional friendship with the international civil engineering community is formally strengthened.

Through its Technical Institutes and their Technical Committees, ASCE promotes international participation in the exchange of current research, technical practices, and experiences, as well as training and development opportunities for engineering professionals in current technologies and innovations. ASCE Institutes support partnerships with international civil engineering organizations and communities through co-sponsorship of international conferences and symposia to share information on current research and the latest advancements in evolving technologies and practices. International membership is encouraged in the ASCE Institute’s technical committees, thereby sharing knowledge, perspectives, and experiences in engineering practices to promote the successful achievement of committee missions. The growth of international sharing in research, development and training is also promoted and enhanced by conducting committee meetings and other events internationally.

This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 146
First Approved pre-1974