United Kingdom announces voluntary contribution to support global aviation development at ICAO GISS 2026

United Kingdom announces voluntary contribution to support global aviation development at ICAO GISS 2026

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today welcomed a voluntary contribution from the Government of the United Kingdom to support global aviation capacity development and implementation assistance worldwide, reinforcing efforts to ensure that no country is left behind.

The pledge letter was formally handed to ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar by William Gatward, Representative of the United Kingdom to ICAO, during the Opening Ceremony of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2026), the Organization’s flagship implementation support event.

The United Kingdom’s voluntary contribution, totaling over GBP 1.0 million, will support priority implementation activities, including:

•    Strengthening global safety programmes for the NACC Region Safety Programme supporting Aerodromes     and Ground Aids (AGA) oversight;
•    Supporting pilot studies under the Integrated Implementation Support Programme (IISP) to advance more coordinated and results-driven safety interventions; 
•    Delivering aviation safety training delivered during GISS 2026, with a focus on States in the AFI region;
•    Supporting ICAO’s organizational transformation agenda, including leadership development and operational improvement; 
•    Enhancing aviation security initiatives, including digital modernization and policy and audit activities.

In addition, the United Kingdom is supporting ICAO initiatives related to the Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme and the Finvest Hub, including resourcing of the Finvest Hub and associated advocacy, outreach, and capacity-building activities.

“This contribution reflects the United Kingdom’s strong commitment to international cooperation and to strengthening aviation systems worldwide,” said Juan Carlos Salazar. “Through partnerships such as this, we are translating global commitments into concrete implementation support that enhances States’ capabilities and reinforces the resilience of the global aviation system.”

William Gatward highlighted that “This new funding reflects the enduring commitment of the United Kingdom to support ICAO’s vital work to make civil aviation safer, more secure and more sustainable. Safe, secure and sustainable civil aviation is a foundation for national, regional and global economic growth and social connectivity and ensuring that No Country is Left Behind.”

The announcement comes as Ministers and aviation leaders gather in Marrakech to advance a shared agenda for implementation under ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2050, including stronger governance, sustainable financing, and enhanced technical cooperation.

GISS brings together governments, industry, and development partners to move from dialogue to delivery, connecting States with expertise, financing, and partnerships required to address aviation capacity gaps and accelerate sustainable development. This contribution from the United Kingdom supports the transition from dialogue to implementation.

Voluntary contributions such as this play a critical role in supporting ICAO’s Global Appeal 2026–2028 and enabling targeted implementation support, including technical assistance, training, and advisory services tailored to the needs of Member States.

By mobilizing resources and strengthening partnerships, ICAO and its partners continue to advance a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global aviation system that delivers benefits for all.

14 April 2026