ICAO GISS 2025: Aviation Leaders Pledge Sustainability

Morocco to host GISS 2026

ICAO GISS 2025 drew over 1,500 attendees from 108 states, including 32 senior ministerial officials
Photo: ICAO

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reported that global aviation leaders secured significant commitments for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and capacity building at its fourth Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS).

The record-breaking ICAO GISS 2025 event drew over 1,500 attendees from 108 states, including 32 senior ministerial officials.

Strategic Plan Advancements

The symposium advances ICAO’s 2026-2050 Strategic Plan for a safe, secure, and sustainable international aviation system ‘that connects the world for the benefit of all nations and people,’ the organisation stated.

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GISS 2025 commitments contribute to the plan’s goals: net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, zero aviation fatalities, and a thriving, connected transport system. ICAO noted that these ambitious goals require unprecedented international cooperation.

Artificial Intelligence, SAF Lead Discussions

The comprehensive program featured discussions on artificial intelligence in aviation, sustainable fuel development, and implementation support mechanisms, providing critical insights into shaping the international community’s approach to these topics.

Building on the success of GISS 2025, Morocco will host GISS 2026, ICAO announced, ensuring continued momentum in global aviation capacity building and implementation support.

A highlight of the summit was the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) initiative by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, with support from ICAO and Sustainable Aviation Futures.

This groundbreaking forum, ICAO explained, establishes new pathways to scale aviation decarbonisation and SAF production worldwide.

Key Achievements at GISS 2025

  • According to ICAO, 21 new bilateral and multilateral agreements were secured on building aviation capacity.
  • The USD 1 Million Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Aviation Award was established by partnering with the UAE Government.
  • The Government of France committed to training 1,000 aviation professionals (2025-2027).
  • A strategic Donor Dialogue with 30 states and organizations yielded key recommendations for innovating ICAO’s fellowship programs.
  • The Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce (GAAST) is committed to supporting the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme.
  • The Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) initiative was launched.
  • Industry support for the ICAO FINVEST Hub was secured through Letters of Intent.

Global Initiatives

Commitments were secured for developing country fellowships with Spain’s development partners.

Support was secured from the Government of Japan for Southern African Development Community nations and South American states to enhance their civil aviation master planning capabilities.

MEA Region

Africa

A commitment was secured to develop the Mauritanian Civil Aviation Master Plan. Specialised training programs were established in Zambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to enhance their technical expertise.

Middle East

An agreement was executed to revitalise Yemen’s civil aviation sector. A training service agreement was concluded with the Government of UAE for women’s empowerment in aviation.

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