Welcoming address

My interest in appropriate development and the concept of sustainability extends over many years. My Presidential Address to the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1977 touched on this theme and subsequently I suggested the formation of the Appropriate Development Forum to bring together all those involved in development: engineers, scientists, economists, social scientists and those working in firms, universities, government and agencies. My main message is to encourage each person to appreciate what others have to contribute. Development requires the successful crossing of many disciplines and it is far too easy to dismiss those aspects one does not understand as unimportant. Francis Bacon expressed this failing more elegantly: ASome, whatsoever is beyond their reach, will seem to despise or make light of it as impertinent or curious; and so would have their ignorance seem judgment'.