Record ministerial participation at aviation sustainability and capacity building symposium

MONTRÉAL and ABU DHABI, 10 February 2025 - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched its fourth Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) today with unprecedented ministerial participation, setting the stage for major international aviation sustainability and capacity development agreements.

Hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the high-level gathering in Abu Dhabi from 10-12 February highlights the international community’s strong political support for ICAO's efforts to advance the sustainable development of aviation worldwide.

"Across our 193 Member States, the implementation of ICAO standards and strategies shapes and advances broader economic development, social progress, and environmental protection," said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano at the GISS Ministerial Roundtable. "The path to sustainable aviation currently varies significantly among States, and your presence here demonstrates both commitment and progress toward our shared goals."

"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," said ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. "Their 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." 

Several major agreements are expected to be signed on the sidelines of the three-day event, including significant developments in aviation financing and sustainable fuel production. 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.

The event showcases ICAO's leadership in delivering practical solutions for sustainable aviation development, with particular attention to supporting resource-constrained States through technical assistance and targeted implementation support.

The symposium is being livestreamed on ICAO TV. Key sessions include:

• Opening Ceremony (10 February)
• Skytalks featuring industry leaders (10 February)
• AI and Aviation Innovation Sessions (11 February)
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel Panels and FINVEST Hub Updates (12 February)
• Closing Ceremony with GISS 2026 announcement (12 February)

The symposium continues through 12 February 2025, with further announcements expected on major funding initiatives and implementation agreements.

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About ICAO
A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) leads the international alignment of technical standards and strategies, facilitating the safe, secure, and sustainable development of its 193 member states’ aviation sectors and air services. This year, ICAO is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its establishment by the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation.

General contact:	icaohq [at] icao.int (icaohq[at]icao[dot]int )
Media contacts:	media.relations [at] icao.int (media[dot]relations[at]icao[dot]int) Ken Knitter, Acting Chief, Communications, ICAO kknitter [at] icao.int (kknitter[at]icao[dot]int )    William Raillant-Clark, Communications Officer, ICAO wraillantclark [at] icao.int (wraillantclark[at]icao[dot]int)