The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) held an RD20 session titled “Challenge of RD20 toward the Realization of a Carbon Neutral Society” as a side event at the COP28 Japan Pavilion (http://copjapan.env.go.jp/cop/cop28/en/) held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on December 11, 2023. Following the opening remarks by Wataru Takahama, Director of the Global Environmental Affairs Office of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, speakers from each institute introduced the activities they are working on. Speakers included Dr. Haruhiko Obara, Senior Executive Officer at AIST; Ms. Bethany Speer, Group Manager for Project Development and Finance of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Dr. Sangjin Choi, Chief of the Global Strategy Team of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER); and Ms. Julie Cerqueira, Steering Committee Chair of Mission Innovation. In the following panel discussion, the panelists exchanged the ideas on the themes of cooperation among RD20 member institutes, collaboration with other organizations, and human resource development.

The panel discussion confirmed that the RD20 has been steadily growing especially with its Task Force activities in the RD20’s fifth year since its launch. Panelists exchanged ideas on measures to further accelerate RD20 activities in 2024, the RD20’s sixth year. Ideas included the promotion of international joint research among RD20 institutes, collaboration with other organizations in the industries, and promoting exchange among young researchers to jointly develop researchers.

It was also announced that a summer school will be held in Indonesia and the next RD20 international conference will be held in Delhi, India, in 2024.

* The video of the seminar will be available on the AIST’s Global Zero Emission Research Center website (https://www.gzr.aist.go.jp/en/).

Presentation by Dr. Haruhiko Obara	Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion	Group Photo

Launched in 2019, the RD20 is a “initiative” (framework) for international research and development aiming to strengthen international collaboration by leading research institutes in G20 countries and regions that develop the world’s most advanced technologies for achieving carbon neutrality.

RD20 provides opportunities for participants to exchange R&D activities, experiences, and best practices related to clean energy technologies across countries and regions, as well as to explore the potential for international joint research. It also serves to deepen and develop new partnerships among relevant industry, academia, and government stakeholders.

* RD20 Website: https://rd20.aist.go.jp/

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