The quality of life we enjoy now and in the future depends on how well society adopts sustainable practices, and how we deal with the problems of waste generation and disposal. New and improved methods for dealing with present-day and emerging environmental challenges are required. Practicing civil, environmental and water resource engineers, environmental scientists and managers, and urban planners from both the private and public sectors therefore should find the International Conference on Waste Engineering and Management (ICWEM) to be timely and relevant.

This Conference will focus on examining the management and engineering challenges that lie ahead in waste engineering and management. From inspiring keynote addresses to information-filled sessions, the ICWEM promises to offer multiple opportunities for participants to exchange research results, best management practices, and information on trends and innovative solutions. From participation at this Conference, engineering practitioners and waste management specialists can gain practical knowledge that they can apply to the challenges of waste engineering and management.

The CSCE is excited about co-hosting this Conference in Hong Kong, one of the most exciting destinations in the world. I was pleased to officiate at the opening of the CSCE Hong Kong Branch in May 2007, and look forward to a greater presence of our Society in Asia. The CSCE appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in the delivery of knowledge in a manner that adds value for civil and environmental engineers and the engineering profession. It is our hope the exchange of technical, scientific and professional knowledge on waste engineering and management at this conference will serve the engineering profession in general, the public in Hong Kong and Canada, and the global community.

Our volunteers have been working hard to ensure the Conference has an exciting and informative technical program. In addition, the Conference will provide social activities for informal discussion and exchange of information among colleagues interested in the ever-changing problems of environmental engineering and science.

I encourage you to attend, share ideas, learn from others, and to help create a brighter future for ourselves and for future generations. Join us at this exciting conference!