CIRA Regulatory and Enforcement Director, Architect Dorthy Nyong’onya made the remarks on 10 October, 2025 at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Main Campus in Blantyre during the opening of the first ever School of Built Environment Conference. 

Nyong’onya said the construction industry plays a crucial role in fostering social growth and improving the quality of life hence the need to adopt and adapt sustainable methods and practices that protect the environment and increase the return on investments.

‘’ Sustainability entails adopting methods and means that will ensure products meet the required performance criteria and perform to the required and expected standards and duration,’’ she said. 

She added that the Malawi government recognizes that sustainable infrastructure development is key to the realization of the Malawi 2063 vision and hence the need to construct globally competitive and economic infrastructure.

‘’ As we navigate the complexities of urbanization, climate change, and social inequality; innovation and research play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our built environments. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusive design principles, we can create spaces that not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for all,’’ added Nyong’onya. 

In his remarks, Executive Dean for the School of Built Environment at MUBAS, Dr. Witness Kuotcha said the conference was organized to share knowledge through various research findings and also to reinforce collaboration among stakeholders in the construction industry.

‘’ From the research findings shared at this conference, we want to learn how we can build inclusive structures and also how we can construct infrastructure that is environmentally sustainable,’’ said Kuotcha. 

The conference was sponsored by Rainbow Paints and stand-out student presenters received an award of K100,000 each.