ABU DHABI: Landmark ICAO symposium draws to a close in UAE

The three-day event united more than 2,000 aviation professionals including 32 ministerial officials from around the world to share their collective vision and address some of the most pressing challenges in the aviation sector. 

Organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ICAO’s flagship event was deemed a huge success, setting the stage for meaningful progress. Expressing his gratitude to all participants, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA’s director general, said: “Aviation is undergoing a transformation and the way we fly is being redefined by innovation and sustainability. Your engagement has made this a truly transformative event.”

Discussions over the last three days have focused on redefining the future of aviation through capacity building, sustainable energy solutions, and enhanced safety measures. The event also underscored the role of aviation in economic expansion, financing strategies, and capacity-building initiatives to support resource-limited states.       

“This event has been a catalyst for real action,” continued Al Suwaidi as he referenced key highlights of the symposium with 36 agreements signed between government and industry leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to global aviation sustainability and innovation. Highlighting the 135 speakers, 51 exhibitors and 36 sponsors, he added, “The event has reinforced the shared commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable aviation sector.” 

Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of ICAO, commended the discussions and insights shared throughout the symposium, particularly emphasising sustainability and capacity building. “Ministerial speakers provided their insights on sustainability and environmental stewardship, highlighting practical approaches to achieving responsible growth advising our long-term global aspirational goal to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

Discussions also centred on advancing ICAO’s Finvest Hub initiative, which aims to support infrastructure projects in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and other green energy solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a key theme, with experts exploring its role in enhancing efficiency, optimising training systems, and shaping the future of aviation education. The importance of ICAO’s TRAINAIR Plus members was also highlighted, recognising their vital contributions to global aviation capacity-building efforts.

Addressing the urgent challenge of climate change, GISS 2025 saw the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an initiative spearheaded by the GCAA to establish new pathways to scale aviation decarbonisation and SAF production worldwide. 

As the symposium concluded, ICAO expressed its deep appreciation to the GCAA and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing the global aviation agenda. Looking to next year, ICAO officially announced that the 2026 edition of GISS will be hosted in Morocco, continuing the drive for innovation and sustainable growth across the global sector.