Keynote Address: Engineering the Future in the Post-COVID Era

Summary form only given. We are witnessing an extraordinary test of the human spirit the past few months as governments and institutions worldwide take steps to protect people and prevent the spread of the global pandemic resulting from COVID-19. The world as we knew it has changed; forever. IEEE's mission of “Advancing Technology for Humanity” has never been more relevant. As we all work to learn the impacts on our global economy, two constants remain certain innovation and economic development will remain critical drivers of regional and human success. Organizations like IEEE will play a vital role in this redeveloped world. With the switch to telework and telehealth, the technologies created by IEEE members are clearly making a difference and will continue to play an important role in the new world economy when we emerge from this pandemic. IEEE has the power to support our members worldwide and hold our profession together during these uncertain times. Programs such as EPICS in IEEE, and IEEE's Humanitarian Activities bring together students, NGO's, and professionals to address challenges in their local communities through innovative technological solutions. This presentation will address the vast resources available through IEEE to keep our members connected, engaged, and supported - as we 'Engineer the Future' together in a post-COVID world.