ICAO Ministerial Roundtable highlights the importance of capacity building for a sustainable aviation future

ICAO convened a high-level Ministerial Roundtable as part of the Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The roundtable, themed "Building Capacity to Achieve an Effective and Sustainable Air Transportation System for our Future," brought together 21 ministers and senior ministry officials from around the world to discuss the critical role of capacity building in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry. ?

The discussions at the roundtable centered on the recognition of the significant economic and social benefits that aviation brings to communities worldwide. Participants emphasized the need to balance these benefits with responsible environmental stewardship, acknowledging the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices. ?

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, along with ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and Michael Gill, Director of ICAO's Legal and External Relations Bureau, spearheaded the roundtable discussions.

President Sciacchitano stressed the importance of collaboration and shared purpose in addressing the challenges facing the aviation industry.

"While each State has its own unique context and specific challenges, there is a common goal that unites us all – to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable air transportation system for future generations." - ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano

The 21 participating ministers and senior ministry officials acknowledged that achieving this goal requires a concerted effort to develop and implement effective capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of aviation professionals, promoting the adoption of new technologies and best practices, and fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing. ?

The need for increased investment in aviation infrastructure and training programs, particularly in developing countries and regions where the growth potential for air travel is highest, was also highlighted. And there were calls for the development of targeted capacity-building programs that address the specific needs and challenges of individual States while aligning with global standards and best practices. ?

"The discussions at this Ministerial Roundtable, with the participation of 21 distinguished speakers, have reinforced the critical importance of capacity building in driving the sustainable growth of the aviation industry. By working together to develop and implement effective capacity-building initiatives, we can ensure that the benefits of aviation are realized by communities around the world while minimizing the industry's environmental impact." ?- ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

The outcomes of the Ministerial Roundtable informed the discussions and activities at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium, which brings together over 900 delegates from 88 Member States to collaborate on initiatives that promote the safe, secure, and sustainable development of air transport.

The symposium serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and the development of concrete actions to support the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry. ?

Ministers and senior ministry officials from the following States participated in the roundtable discussions: ?Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.