Conference programme

Pre-conference Workshop Programme

Friday, September 19, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

By invite only - in case you are eligible to attend and have not been allocated to this session email training@fidic.org

 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (SAST)
 
The Boardroom

Pre-conference Programme

Saturday, September 20, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

By invite only - in case you are eligible to attend and have not been allocated to this session email training@fidic.org

 
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (SAST)

Theme: Association Leadership – Growing Together

  • Knowledge Sharing Programme / Member Association Showcase
  • Leading Together Workshop

This session will highlight innovative practices, case studies, and leadership strategies from MAs around the world, fostering collaborative learning and professional growth.

 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (SAST)
 
 
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (SAST)

Theme: Going Global – Getting the Most from our FIDIC Membership

We will explore how MAs can leverage FIDIC’s global platform to enhance influence, expand networks, and deliver greater value to members locally and internationally.

Your participation is vital to the success of this important gathering, and we encourage each Member Association to send a strong delegation to engage in these meaningful discussions.

 
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (SAST)

By invite only

 
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

By invite only

 

Social Event

Saturday, September 20, 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (SAST)
 
 

Pre-conference Programme

Sunday, September 21, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (SAST)

By invite only

 
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (SAST)

Open discussions among Chairs and Vice Chairs of FIDIC Committees and invited speakers – Registration is required.

The Committee meeting will discuss key activities of FIDIC working committees and exchange with the audience on industry challenges to identify future activities and tasks.

Speakers: FIDIC Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs


Participants: Open to everyone.

 

Speakers:

Business Practice Leadership Committee
Manuel Perez, Spain (Chair)

Integrity Management Committee
Richard Stump, USA (Chair)

Sustainable Development Committee
Robert Spencer, Spain (Vice Chair)

Future Leaders Advisory Council
Artur Henrique de Morais Brito, Brazil (Chair)

Contracts Committee
Vincent Leloup, France (Chair)

International Financial Institutions Committee
Patrick Wambulwa, Kenya (Vice Chair)

Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council
Joost Merema, Netherlands (Chair)

Membership Committee
Enni Soetanto, Indonesia (Chair)

Directors & Secretaries Advisory Council
Helen Davidson, New Zealand (Chair)

Digital Transformation Committee
Stacy Sinclair, UK (Chair)

 
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (SAST)
 
 
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (SAST)

By invite only

 
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (SAST)

Open to: All conference attendees

FIDIC's Future Leaders give their views and perspectives on where the industry is going and the key emerging trends and issues to address.

 
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (SAST)

By invite only

 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (SAST)
 
 
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (SAST)

By invite only

 

Open Forum – Limited Seating
Please note that space is limited and attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

The Integrity Workshop, sponsored by FIDIC’s Integrity Management Committee, is an opportunity to have a respectful dialogue regarding a sensitive issue - integrity and fighting corrupt behaviours in the built infrastructure sector.

This two-hour, interactive event will allow for sharing and workshopping of key integrity ideas in small group discussions and larger workshop presentations.

This event will be limited to 30 participants. Participants will be able to share ideas and to leave the workshop with knowledge of how they can take immediate action to improve their personal,  company, and community resilience in discussing and in fighting corruption.

 
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (SAST)
 
 

Social Event

Sunday, September 21, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM (SAST)
 
 

Main Conference Programme - Day 1

Monday, September 22, 2025
8:15 AM - 8:50 AM (SAST)
 
 
8:50 AM - 8:55 AM (SAST)

 

The FIDIC President will welcome guests to the conference highlight key areas of activity and invite all to enjoy the activities to come.   

 

 
8:55 AM - 9:05 AM (SAST)
 
 
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM (SAST)
 
 
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM (SAST)

 

As the political landscape continues to evolve it is important that the infrastructure sector remains a priority, so we can deliver for society. If we are to address the challenges highlighted by the G20s theme of fostering solidarity, equality and sustainable development decisions need to start at the top. This panel will invite local and global political leaders to present their views, challenges and opportunities for the sector.

 
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (SAST)
 
 
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM (SAST)

 

This session jumps into the core theme of this conference, how do we deliver infrastructure to meet these ambitious goals. To deliver for society infrastructure will need to address economic challenges such addressing poverty, unemployment, growth and reducing inequality but alongside this there is the increasingly urgent issue to address climate change, improve resilience and to improve the integration of nature positive solutions into infrastructure.   

 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (SAST)
 
 
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM (SAST)

 

In 2024 total global debt hit $315 trillion, a record high. The debt increase is primarily due to emerging markets, where debt has risen to over $105 trillion. Alongside inflationary pressures and interest rates financing infrastructure is still well below the $139 trillion needed to reach net zero. How can the infrastructure sector unlock new and existing money for projects from the local level right up to major regenerations. 

 
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM (SAST)
 
Auditorium 1
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM (SAST)
 
 
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

 

This Forum is for adjudicators, dispute board members, members of the FIDIC President’s List of Adjudicators, dispute board practitioners and other industry participants who are experienced and knowledgeable in applying dispute avoidance techniques and are active in engineering, construction and infrastructure industry to discuss the latest key global issues in the dispute avoidance and adjudication arena.   

This forum is an opportunity to engage with members of FIDIC’s Presidents list of Adjudicators and other dispute board practitioners. The forum presents a unique opportunity to discuss the most critical issues in the dispute avoidance arena and discuss practical tips and tactics for effective dispute avoidance. 

The session is divided into two parts- Part A and Part B. The forum will conclude with key takeaways. 

Part A - Topic I. Decisions – of Dispute Board, discussion of FIDIC Practice Note III on decisions

In this part of the forum, FIDIC's upcoming Practice note III – on decisions of dispute boards will be discussed and participants will gain valuable insights on the DAAB role and practical strategies for effective decision writing.

FIDIC is preparing this Practice Note III as part of the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Forum to provide best practice guidance to adjudicators in carrying out their decision writing function envisioned under the FIDIC Forms of Contract. In this part of the forum, DAAF Working Group will present the draft Practice Note III for discussion. Forum participants will provide comments as takeaways to be taken into consideration when finalising the note. Publication of the FIDIC Practice Note III – Decisions will take place during FIDIC`s upcoming International Contract Users Conference in December 2025 in London.

 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (SAST)

 

This session will present the next phase of the work of the Global Leadership Forum’s Carbon Collaboration Initiative, which was conceived by members of the GLF.  This work is being spearheaded by the CEOs from some of the world’s largest consulting engineering firms. The aim to develop a common, replicable and standardised process of calculation and disclosure of embodied and operational CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions related to infrastructure projects.

 
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM (SAST)

 

In 2024 total global debt hit $315 trillion, a record high. The debt increase is primarily due to emerging markets, where debt has risen to over $105 trillion. Alongside inflationary pressures and interest rates financing infrastructure is still well below the $139 trillion needed to reach net zero. How can the infrastructure sector unlock new and existing money for projects from the local level right up to major regenerations. 

 

Social Event

Monday, September 22, 2025
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (SAST)

 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cape Town at Local Colour Night, a special evening celebrating the city’s rich heritage, cuisine and entertainment. Enjoy an unforgettable night filled with authentic local flavours, live music and cultural performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, celebration and a true taste of South Africa’s warmth and hospitality!

 

Main Conference Programme - Day 2

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
8:15 AM - 8:50 AM (SAST)
 
 
8:50 AM - 8:55 AM (SAST)

 

The FIDIC President will welcome guests to the conference highlight key areas of activity and invite all to enjoy the activities to come.   

 
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM (SAST)

 

 

 
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM (SAST)

 

Despite continued efforts delivering infrastructure across the globe is still blighted by corruption and quality issues. If we are to meet the challenges outlined by the G20 this year, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net zero the sector has no option other than to deliver first time with integrity, quality and sustainability. 

 

 
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (SAST)

 

 

 

 

 
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM (SAST)

 

This session will showcase some of the innovations and engineering solutions that are part of world class infrastructure projects. Be it from the use of technology and AI, innovative materials, new solutions, different approaches etc. all of these projects will highlight how truly amazing infrastructure transforms lives and society. 

 

 

 

 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (SAST)

 

 

 
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM (SAST)

 

This panel will debate about the role of AI in infrastructure and its potential to transform the sector by optimising processes, reducing costs and enhancing safety in infrastructure projects. In this session, we will explore the progress we have made in our sector and share learnings for leadership.

 

 

 
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM (SAST)

 

 

 

 

 
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

 

A potential forum to explore key and emerging issues in contract management and project delivery. Please note that space is limited and access will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

This Forum is for adjudicators, dispute board members, members of the FIDIC President’s List of Adjudicators, dispute board practitioners and other industry participants who are experienced and knowledgeable in applying dispute avoidance techniques and are active in engineering, construction and infrastructure industry to discuss the latest key global issues in the dispute avoidance and adjudication arena.   

This forum is an opportunity to engage with members of FIDIC’s Presidents list of Adjudicators and other dispute board practitioners. The forum presents a unique opportunity to discuss the most critical issues in the dispute avoidance arena and discuss practical tips and tactics for effective dispute avoidance. 

The session is divided into two parts- Part A and Part B. The forum will conclude with key takeaways. 

Part B - Topic I. Hearings

In this part of the forum, participants will be divided into groups to discuss certain aspects of hearings of dispute board and provide comments and feedback from the group discussion as takeaways. 

 

 

 

 

 
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM (SAST)

 

This session will present the views of industry leaders on the challenges we face in the next 12 to 18 months, with uncertainty at unprecedented levels it is vital the sector shows the leadership in providing the stability, growth and sustainability the globe needs. 

 
5:15 PM - 5:30 PM (SAST)

 

 

 

 

 

Social Event

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
7:00 PM - 11:59 PM (SAST)