FIDIC was founded in 1913 by three national associations of independent consulting engineers within Europe. The objectives were to promote common professional interests and to disseminate information to the members of the constituent national associations.

Today FIDIC membership numbers 80 Member Associations from all parts of the globe and represents most of the independent practising engineers in the world.

FIDIC arranges seminars, conferences and other events in the furtherance of its goals. It is concerned with the maintenance of high ethical and professional standards and the development of the engineering profession in developing countries.

FIDIC acts as a forum for the exchange of views and information and actively encourages the discussion of matters of mutual concern among member associations. Dialogue with international lending agencies and funding institutions is maintained by the Executive Committee and Managing Director with regular meetings and personal communications.