As a Learned Society, ICE develops and shares best practice in engineering for development. The Institution promotes the role of engineers in this field to Government, development agencies, donors and National Government Organisations (NGOs).
ICE also believes that building domestic capacity in engineering and technology is a key factor in the achievement of inclusive economic growth in developing countries.
The Institution has a long-standing involvement in International Development. The Presidential Commission Engineering without Frontiers and Professor Paul Jowitt’s Brunel Lecture Engineering Civilisation from the Shadows demonstrated the engineering profession has a clear role and responsibility in working with others toward achieving the United Nations' Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). The 2010 President’s Apprentice Scheme, an engineering project delivery plan for International Development and the MDGs, addressed the challenges facing engineers engaged in development work.
ICE collaborates with engineering organisations and NGOs worldwide in its development work. ICE signed a memorandum of understanding with Engineers Against Poverty, Engineers Without Borders UK and RedR to increase co-operation between the organisations. The Institution is the UK national member to the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and provides secretariat to the Commonwealth Engineers Council (CEC).