Angola announced as the host of GISS 2027, ensuring continued momentum in strengthening global aviation cooperation and implementation support.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2026) concluded today in Marrakech, bringing together 1,450 participants from 101 States to strengthen global aviation systems in accordance with ICAO’s strategic plan for 2050, which includes a commitment to “No Country Left Behind” and envisions air transport for all, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions.
Over three days, the Symposium delivered a series of commitments, partnerships, and implementation initiatives aimed at enhancing aviation safety, security, sustainability, and connectivity worldwide, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that all States can effectively implement ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma highlighted the importance of universal implementation, noting that “Ensuring that every State has the capacity to implement global aviation standards is essential to the safety and resilience of the entire system.”
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar added, “The outcomes of this Symposium demonstrate what multilateral cooperation looks like when it delivers results. Implementation is the true test of our commitments. What matters now is translating these commitments into measurable progress across all regions.”
Commitments Driving Implementation
A central milestone of GISS 2026 was the Ministerial Roundtable, which brought together 22 Ministers responsible for civil aviation. Through the Marrakech Call to Action, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance and institutional capacities, unlocking aviation growth and development through adequate funding and financing of aviation, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals and ensuring collective implementation and accountability.
The Call to Action reflects a shared commitment to ICAO’s No Country Left Behind strategic goal, ensuring that all States can participate in and benefit from the growth of global aviation.
From Commitments to Action
GISS 2026 served as a platform to translate dialogue into concrete implementation outcomes.
During the Symposium, ICAO and its partners:
- Concluded 39 bilateral and multilateral agreements supporting aviation capacity development
- Secured new financial commitments to support implementation programmes
- Strengthened partnerships between States, industry, and development institutions
These outcomes reflect a growing alignment between policy commitments and implementation support, enabling States to accelerate progress toward ICAO’s Strategic Goals.
Enabling Growth and Opportunity
The outcomes of GISS 2026 also respond to the scale of aviation growth ahead. By 2050, global passenger traffic is expected to increase nearly threefold, while air cargo volumes are projected to grow by more than two and a half times. Much of this growth will occur in emerging and high-potential markets.
Through its global framework of standards, practices, and implementation support, ICAO is working with States and partners to ensure that this growth translates into safe, secure, sustainable, and inclusive aviation development. GISS provides a unique platform to connect States with partners, mobilise investment, and advance practical solutions that unlock aviation’s full potential.
