The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) fourth Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) marked a milestone in global aviation cooperation, securing key commitments to boost sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and strengthen capacity-building initiatives. The three-day event set a new attendance record, drawing 32 senior ministerial officials and over 1,500 participants from 108 countries.
At the heart of the symposium was ICAO’s 2026-2050 Strategic Plan, which envisions “a safe, secure, and sustainable international civil aviation system that connects the world for the benefit of all nations and people.” The commitments made during GISS represent tangible progress toward three ambitious aviation goals:
- Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Ensuring zero aviation fatalities
- Establishing aviation as an integral part of a thriving, connected transport system, where no country is left behind
These ambitious objectives demand unprecedented global cooperation and expanded technical and financial support for aviation development worldwide.
Key Discussions and Announcements
The symposium featured cutting-edge discussions on AI-powered aviation, SAF development, and regulatory advancements, offering critical insights into the future of air transport. Notable sessions included:
- Innovating and Overcoming Complexity with AI-Powered Aviation
- Synergizing Regulation and Technology for Enhanced Airport Efficiency
- Strategic Panels on SAF Production and Financing
These sessions, live-streamed and now available on-demand via ICAO TV, provided a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano highlighted the growing recognition of aviation’s role in economic and societal progress:
“The record ministerial participation at GISS 2025 demonstrates the increasing commitment to aviation’s future. These high-level engagements are crucial as we advance SAF production and financing worldwide.”
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar reaffirmed ICAO’s mission to support resource-constrained states:
“Our enhanced focus on implementation support ensures that not only no country is left behind, but no people are left behind in aviation development.”
Breakthrough Initiatives and Agreements
A key highlight of GISS 2025 was the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, in collaboration with ICAO and Sustainable Aviation Futures. This initiative aims to create new pathways for scaling aviation decarbonization and SAF production worldwide.
Additionally, significant progress was made on the ICAO FINVEST Hub, which connects sustainability projects in developing countries with global investors. During the FINVEST Hub Day, matchmaking sessions focused on mobilizing targeted funding for SAF production and clean energy infrastructure.
Key Achievements of GISS 2025
- Secured 21 new bilateral and multilateral agreements to enhance aviation capacity-building.
- Established the US$1 million Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Aviation Award, in partnership with the UAE Government.
- Secured France’s commitment to train 1,000 aviation professionals (2025-2027).
- Hosted a strategic Donor Dialogue with 30 states and organizations, shaping the future of ICAO’s fellowship programs.
- GAAST pledged support for ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme.
- Launched the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) to accelerate SAF adoption.
- Secured industry backing for ICAO FINVEST Hub, with multiple Letters of Intent.
Looking Ahead: GISS 2026 in Morocco
Building on the momentum of GISS 2025, ICAO announced that Morocco will host GISS 2026, ensuring continued progress in global aviation capacity-building and implementation support.
With a record-breaking turnout, landmark agreements, and new sustainability initiatives, GISS 2025 has set the stage for transformative advancements in international aviation.
