Opening Ceremony and Project Signings
10 February from 9h00 to 10h30

Outdoor Segment:

This portion will set the stage for the event, welcoming attendees and featuring key speeches from distinguished officials.

Indoor Segment:

Following the outdoor activities, the ceremony will transition indoors for more formal proceedings. This segment will include additional speeches, alongside the integration of ICAO project signings with Member States.

Panel 1: Aviation's Impact on Economic and Societal Goals
10 February from 11h00 to 12h00

For the first time, this year’s Ministerial Roundtable will be open to all GISS attendees. Ministers from around the world will discuss the top three ways in which aviation supports their respective State’s economic and societal goals. They will also highlight how their ICAO engagement strategies facilitate the achievement of these goals, including:

• the ICAO Council and/or Air Navigation Commission;
• technical panels or other expert groups;
• Planning and Implementation Regional Groups (PIRGs) and Regional Aviation Safety Groups (RASGs);
• support of ICAO activities through financial or in-kind donations.

Panel 2: Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Aviation
10 February from 13h30 to 14h30

Building on the morning’s discussions, the Ministers will reconvene in the afternoon for the second Roundtable session. During this session, they will address the challenges and opportunities they expect to encounter as the world’s focus turns increasingly toward sustainability. Ministers will also explore ICAO’s role in assisting States to balance growth and sustainability goals. This not only includes the development and implementation of standards aimed at reducing civil aviation’s contribution to climate change, but also the promotion of investment mechanisms, such as the Finvest Hub Initiative, which will support States in funding more substantial infrastructure projects that will drive greater environmental stewardship

Panel 3: Strengthening Implementation Support for Resource-Constrained States
10 February from 15h00 to 16h00

Following a brief break, the Ministers will reconvene for their final session of the day. In this session, they will bring the day's discussions full circle by discussing how ICAO can better prioritize its implementation support efforts for the world’s most resource-constrained States. This includes developing new products and services for States, executing technical assistance programmes, and engaging in resource mobilization activities. These discussions regarding prioritization will cover not only technical needs but also States' capacity to accept and utilize third-party assistance. Additionally, they will focus on effectively quantifying a State’s needs, assessing the long-term benefits to arise from the assistance given, and determining the expected return on investment for donors and the international community.

Panel 4A: Innovating and Overcoming Complexity with AI-Powered Aviation
11 February from 9h00 to 10h30

In this session, we delve into the intricate challenges facing modern aviation and explore how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing operational efficiency. From navigating complex and congested airspace to optimizing flight paths and enhancing safety and security protocols, this discussion highlights cutting-edge advancements that are reshaping the future of aviation toward greater efficiency and safety standards.

Panel 4B (TRAINING TRACK): Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Digital Learning
11 February from 9h00 to 10h30

This panel will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize learning in the aviation sector. Discussions will focus on the implementation of AI-driven adaptive learning systems that personalize training to meet individual needs, enhance learning experiences, and ensure global accessibility. The panel will also delve into AI’s role in overcoming linguistic and regional barriers, future advancements in AI for learning, and address critical ethical concerns and data privacy within AI-driven training environments.

Panel 5A: Expanding Access to AI in Aviation Across all States
11 February from 11h00 to 12h30

As the aviation industry increasingly relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and efficiency, it is essential to address how access to these technologies can be expanded across all States. This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with broadening access to AI in aviation, with a focus on developing regions and engaging current and future aviation professionals. The discussion will emphasize the importance of creating AI solutions that meet the diverse needs of various States. Additionally, the panel will address regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation, including data privacy and security concerns.

Panel 5B: Evolving Training for Sustainable Aviation
11 February from 11h00 to 12h30

This panel will address the critical elements of attracting, recruiting, training, and retaining talent to support a sustainable aviation ecosystem. Panelists will explore innovative strategies to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals while ensuring current workforces are equipped with the skills needed to adapt to evolving technologies and sustainability goals. The discussion will emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, reskilling, and professional development to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. Key challenges, such as workforce shortages, regulatory and operational constraints, and the integration of sustainability-focused practices, will also be examined. Solutions will highlight collaborative approaches that enable workforce resilience and long-term industry growth.

Panel 6: Synergizing Regulation and Technology for Enhanced Airport and Aviation Efficiency
11 February from 14h00 to 15h30

This panel session will explore how regulatory frameworks and advanced technologies crisscross to shape the future of aviation. This discussion will shed light on how current regulations can either facilitate or hinder the integration of advanced technologies, like generative AI, which are transforming airport operations by optimizing capacity, managing fluctuations, and improving the passenger experience. Panelists will also address the impact of these technologies on operational efficiency and sustainability, as well as the regulatory challenges and opportunities they present. Effective stakeholder engagement strategies for navigating these complexities will also be discussed.

ICAO Finvest Hub: Catalyzing Sustainable Investments - A Year Later
12 February from 9h15 to 9h35

A conversation with the ICAO's Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar by Mr. Haldane Dodd, Executive Director, Air Transport Action Group

Panel 7: Accelerating Sustainable Aviation Fuels Production and Deployment
12 February from 9h30 to 10h30

This session will focus on strategies and practical steps to accelerate the production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), lower carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) and other aviation cleaner energies to achieve the global aspirational Vision of 5% CO2 emissions reduction from international aviation by 2030, as agreed by the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), contributing to the achievement of the ICAO’s long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Discussions will address current SAF production capacities, identifying investment needs, and navigating national policies and ICAO regulatory frameworks. Experts will highlight best practices and global strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders under the ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for SAF (ACT-SAF) programme in facilitating technical assistance to drive SAF development and investment opportunities.

Panel 8: Financing Sustainable Aviation Fuels Project
12 February from 11h00 to 12h00

This session will explore diverse financing initiatives and mechanisms to meet the significant capital requirements for the global scale-up of SAF and other aviation cleaner energies. Discussions will focus on public-private partnerships, innovative financial instruments, and the role of multilateral institutions in mobilizing funding. Participants will examine successful financing models and approaches to de-risking investments in SAF projects, highlighting global efforts toward aviation decarbonization. This session will also explore how the establishment of local SAF supply chains can factor in the economic and social benefits of SAF deployment, including job creation, energy security, and regional development opportunities. Insights will include the ICAO Finvest Hub initiative, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to financing and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for the aviation sector’s decarbonization.

Panel 9: Perspective from the SAF Value Chain
12 February from 12h25 to 13h10

This session will provide the opportunity to reflect on the respective role of the stakeholders along the SAF value chain. A discussion on the evolution of these roles will be encouraged, in light of the challenges highlighted in the preceding sessions. In particular, it will be worth questioning whether the energy transition required to achieve the LTAG should be accompanied with a reflection on new business models for the various components of the aviation sector, including fuel producers, airlines, airports, manufacturers and lessors.

Matchmaking Session: Connecting for Sustainable Skies & Regional Showcases
12 February from 13h30 to 15h30

Join us for an engaging matchmaking session designed to foster connections for a sustainable future. Don’t miss this chance to connect and collaborate!

Featuring Regional Showcaseswhere participants present innovative projects and initiatives.

Engage with diverse geographical areas through our region-wise tables, each highlighting sustainable aviation opportunities, projects, and initiatives.

Key Features:

• Regional Representation: Connect with representatives from various regions to learn about their unique sustainable aviation efforts.
• Interactive Engagement: Participants can explore opportunities and engage in meaningful discussions with regional stakeholders.
• Guided Conversations: Stakeholders are encouraged to share their expectations and collaboratively identify actionable paths forward using guiding questions.
• Facilitator-Led Discussions: Stakeholders are encouraged to share their expectations and collaboratively identify actionable paths forward using guiding questions.

Report Back Session: Facilitators will present a summary for each region, focusing on strategic partnerships and potential collaborations, in a 30-minute session. Join us to discover and create opportunities for a sustainable aviation future!