Leaders Session (LS), October 22
Arrival and Registration 08:00－08:55
Safety briefing 09:00－09:15
Morning Session 09:15－13:00 (Open to the public), Venue: Diamond auditorium, Ground Floor
Opening ceremony
Welcome address: Dr. Thulani Dlamini (CSIR)
Opening remarks
Director General or Deputy Director-General, South African Government (TBD)
Ministry of Economics, Trade, and Industry (METI), Japan – video message
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan– video message
Ministry of Environment (MOE), Japan – video message
Mr. Takeshi YOSHIDA (NEDO), Japan
Voices of Leadership: Strengthening Global Cooperation through RD20
Mr. Kazuhiko Ishimura (ASIT)
Dr. Martin Keller (Helmholtz Association) – video message
RD20 status and activities (moderated by Action Committee members)
– Report of Summer School 2026: Prof. Abdessamad FAIK (UM6P, Morocco)
– Report of TF activities: Dr. Masahiro Yoshita (AIST), Dr. Thomas Roos (CSIR)
Open discussion
Leading presentations:
Dr. Rebecca Maserumle (TBC) (Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa)
The role of Green Hydrogen in Africa and Developments in South Africa
Discussion:
Following the leading presentations, leaders of RD20 institutions will exchange views on opportunities for collaboration and future partnerships.
Announcement
Announcement of the RD20 Summer School 2027: Dr. Jamie Speirs (UKERC)
Announcement of the 9th RD20 2027: Dr. Koichi Matsuoka (AIST)
Adjournment of morning session
Closing Remarks: Dr. Mali
Group Photo (Entrance of the International Convention Center)
Visit to the Exhibition Booths
Note: The CSIR Facility Tour
22 October | 13:30-17:30
For participants who cannot attend the afternoon part of the Leaders Session, which is exclusively for members of RD20 institutions, a CSIR facility tour will be available until the Conference Closing Dinner.
Afternoon Session 14:00－17:30 (Members of RD20 Institution only), Venue: Crystal/Garnet/Onyx meeting room, First Floor
Introductory remarks from chairs
Dr. Thulani Dlamini (CSIR, provisional), Mr. Kazuhiko Ishimura (AIST),
Dr. Christopher Hebling (Fh-ISE), as a presiding chair
Overview of the LS afternoon session in the 8th RD20
Reviewing Leaders Recommendation 2025
Moderated discussion Theme 1
Engagement – Exploring ways to support active participation in RD20 activities
Moderated discussion Theme 2
Resources for Collaboration Opportunity
Moderated discussion Theme 3
Membership – Considering future principles related to RD20 membership
Moderated discussion Theme 4
Visibility – Improving RD20’s visibility and outreach
Reviewing discussion for Leaders Recommendation 2026
Future conference approval of hosting institutes
The 10th RD20 Conference 2028
RD20 Summer School 2028
Closing remarks
Dr. Rachel Chikwamba
Adjounment of afternoon session
Conference Closing Dinner
Venue: Amber banquet room
