Modern societies aim to solve the global challenges of the 21st century with sustainable solutions such as resource efficiency, use of renewable energy sources and recycling. Engineers are called upon to create the cutting edge technological solutions that can help to address these challenges. In developed as well as in developing countries, changes in engineering education will be necessary to prepare engineers for this important task. This article outlines some priorities for the education of future engineers. It calls upon the UNESCO to provide within the framework of its new Engineering Initiative the much needed support for reforms of engineering education in particular in developing countries.