Aviation leaders gather in Montreal to accelerate climate action

Aviation leaders gather in Montreal to accelerate climate action
ICAO seeks to strengthen international strategy for net-zero carbon emissions

Montréal, 02 June 2026 — Stronger and faster efforts to decarbonize air transport are the focus of multilateral discussions beginning today at ICAO Aviation Climate Week in Montréal.

Thanks to growing political commitment and investment in cleaner energies, technological innovation, and operational improvements, aviation is accelerating progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is the objective of the global climate strategy for air transport, which was supported unanimously by ICAO’s Member States at their 2025 Assembly.

Opening the event this morning, ICAO Council President Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma declared that “Air transport is setting an example for other industries to follow. Through decisive leadership and a shared commitment to climate action, we will ensure a vibrant future for flight.”

The meeting will address some of the sector’s most serious challenges, including scaling sustainable aviation fuels, financing the net-zero transition, and the implementation of the ICAO global market-based emissions measure. Sessions will spotlight breakthroughs in aircraft technology and operations, alongside adaptation and resilience strategies for an evolving climate. Scientific advances on emissions monitoring, new cross-sector partnerships, and coordinated action plans will further drive the collaborative momentum toward a sustainable future for aviation.

“Aviation has proven that international cooperation solves complex challenges. We will now showcase that very cooperation to the world,” remarked President Onuma. “We must identify the gaps in existing carbon reduction measures and strengthen understanding among all stakeholders. We need immediate, harmonized, and inclusive action.”

The three-day meeting will conclude on 04 June 2026, with the findings to offer specific, proven, and actionable expertise covering all aspects of climate action and impact for civil aviation.

About ICAO 
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is leading its 193 Member States’ cooperation towards achieving air transport for all by 2050, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions. A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO develops standards and policies for civil aviation and supports their implementation.

Media Contact 
William Raillant-Clark 
ICAO Communications Officer 
media.relations [at] icao.int (media[dot]relations[at]icao[dot]int )

General Contact 
icaohq [at] icao.int (icaohq[at]icao[dot]int)