The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched its fourth Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) and had an “unprecedented ministerial participation, setting the stage for major international aviation sustainability and capacity development agreements.”
The symposium which was hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi according to ICAO highlights “the international community’s strong political support for ICAO’s efforts to advance the sustainable development of aviation worldwide.”
At the GISS Ministerial Roundtable, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano said: “Across our 193 Member States, the implementation of ICAO standards and strategies shapes and advances broader economic development, social progress, and environmental protection. The path to sustainable aviation currently varies significantly among States, and your presence here demonstrates both commitment and progress toward our shared goals.”
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said the Ministers are addressing “sustainability and environmental stewardship, examining how to achieve responsible growth in tandem with our established global Long-Term Aspirational Goal for net-zero carbon emissions.”
The Secretary General said the Ministers’ strategies include “developing and implementing standards to reduce civil aviation’s climate impact and promoting investment mechanisms like the Finvest Hub – a groundbreaking platform connecting investors with sustainable aviation projects, particularly in developing countries – which will support States in funding substantial infrastructure projects for enhanced environmental stewardship.”
The symposium also coincides with the UAE’s launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Markets (GSAM), a collaborative platform designed to accelerate aviation decarbonization through expanded Sustainable Aviation Fuel production and innovative financing mechanisms, will see several major agreements “including significant developments in aviation financing and sustainable fuel production.”