Emirati Initiative at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fourth edition of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 and the first edition of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace kicked off in Abu Dhabi. The ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025, hosted by Abu Dhabi from 10 to 12 February, is organized by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, delivered an opening speech in which he said: Organizing this event in the UAE highlights our country's steadfast support for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its efforts to enhance the sustainability of the aviation sector at the regional and global levels, followed by Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“The UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, has always recognised the importance of innovation as a fundamental pillar of progress, and by integrating artificial intelligence to improve air traffic management and passenger experience, and developing technologies that reduce emissions, we continue to prioritise the creation of smarter, safer and more sustainable aviation systems.

These innovations are not just technical achievements, but are the embodiment of our vision for a future aviation system capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow,” he added. In his speech, he stressed: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, has directed that 2025 be the ‘Year of the Community’ in the UAE, which represents an opportunity to highlight the importance of the human being as a fundamental pillar of any development, and the importance of partnership between governments, industries and communities, to achieve greater goals that serve the interests of all.

Here in the UAE, this trend is evident in our investments in aviation infrastructure, and our support for capacity-building programmes that enhance the role of human competencies, whether through supporting the ‘next generation of aviation workers’, or through global partnerships that aim to build new and innovative skills,” adding: “It is important that we do not rely on innovation alone to achieve our goals, as sustainability must be the essence.

The symposium, which was attended by about 1,500 civil aviation specialists representing 193 countries, included the launch of the first edition of the “Global Sustainable Aviation Market” initiative, which aims to accelerate global efforts to support the security, safety and sustainability of the civil aviation sector. This year’s edition of the global event focuses on two main axes: employing modern technologies in the civil aviation industry, and supporting environmental transformations and practices, through a series of specialized sessions and workshops.

The symposium witnessed discussion sessions in which 150 international speakers from senior officials and experts in the fields of aviation, technology and sustainability participated. The 2025 edition also witnesses the event being hosted for the first time in an Arab country, after the previous three editions were held in Turkey, South Korea and the Dominican Republic.

The Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) is one of the most prominent international events organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which aims to enhance and implement civil aviation policies worldwide.

This symposium was launched as a platform that brings together regulatory bodies in the aviation sector, including airports, airlines and air navigation service providers, to discuss the most prominent challenges, exchange experiences and review best practices that contribute to the development of the sector.

During the symposium, the Global Sustainable Aviation Market initiative was launched, an ambitious Emirati initiative organized under the umbrella of ICAO, which aims to accelerate international efforts to produce, distribute and consume sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuel, which contributes to achieving the global environmental goals of the sector.