Strengthening Aviation in a Changing World: Resilient Systems. Skilled Workforce. Effective Implementation.
Build resilient systems and identify the conditions needed for aviation progress.
Strengthen the people, competences and capabilities required to implement change.
Mobilize partnerships, financing and practical support to move from plans to implementation.
Business or business casual attire is recommended for all conference sessions and social events, unless otherwise specified. Please note that the programme and timings are subject to change.
ICAO training meeting by invitation only, for Committee Members and Observers.
Participants may register or collect badges. Please bring a valid photo ID and your registration confirmation.
An informal pre-event gathering to register, collect badges and meet fellow attendees in a relaxed setting ahead of the official opening of GISS 2027.
Participants may register or collect badges if they have not yet done so. Please bring a valid photo ID and your registration confirmation.
Welcome remarks from the Ministry of Transport of Angola and ICAO senior leadership, followed by the Symposium's project announcements and signings
Coffee Meets Innovation: Recharge with a cup, connect with peers and catch a Skytalks session running alongside the break for quick insights on the latest developments in aviation.
The global aviation system is entering a period of heightened uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and rapid technological change are reshaping the environment in which aviation operates. Airspace closures, fuel price volatility, cyber threats, global navigation satellite system interference, supply chain constraints, extreme weather events and other disruptions are increasingly affecting aviation operations, infrastructure planning and long-term investment decisions, testing how governments respond.
In an increasingly interconnected world, resilience is becoming a defining factor in aviation’s ability to support global mobility, trade and economic development. This high-level panel will bring together States and industry leaders to examine how the aviation community can strengthen preparedness, adapt to emerging risks, increase the resilience of critical aviation infrastructure and work collectively to ensure a safe, secure and connected global air transport system.
Connect with fellow participants over lunch and exchange insights in an informal setting.
Don’t miss the Skytalks session running alongside the break for quick insights on the latest developments in aviation.
Growth is often viewed as a sign of success. Yet across aviation, rapid expansion can expose weaknesses that remained hidden when systems were operating at lower volumes.
New infrastructure capacity does not automatically translate into stronger connectivity. New routes may struggle to achieve commercial viability. Air traffic growth can place pressure on air navigation systems, passenger processing infrastructure, border services and regional transport networks. In some cases, investment outpaces demand; in others, demand outpaces operational capacity.
This discussion will examine how States can anticipate these challenges and strengthen the wider aviation ecosystem needed to support growth. Panelists will consider how improvements to air navigation services can increase capacity and efficiency, and how stronger cross-border coordination, interoperability, information sharing and resilient infrastructure can support more seamless and harmonized operations across regions. They will also explore how infrastructure, connectivity and other parts of the aviation system need to work together to maintain operational continuity and support sustainable growth as demand grows.
The Ministerial Roundtable will bring together Ministers responsible for civil aviation to discuss progress since the Marrakech Ministerial Call to Action: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind in Aviation, issued at GISS 2026. The discussion will review the evolving No Country Left Behind footprint, including progress achieved, remaining gaps and areas where additional support and action are needed.
Building on the priorities identified in Marrakech, Ministers will exchange views on the key actions needed to strengthen national and regional aviation systems, address implementation challenges and ensure that States are equipped to respond to changing demands and opportunities in aviation. The Roundtable will also provide an opportunity to highlight areas where strengthened cooperation, targeted support and coordinated action can contribute to implementation.
The discussion will culminate in the Luanda GISS Outcomes, reflecting Ministers’ priorities and commitments for the way forward.
Coffee Meets Innovation: recharge and catch quick insights from the latest Skytalks session.
As passenger volumes increase, States are under growing pressure to modernize border management and passenger processing systems. Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems can strengthen security and facilitation while supporting more efficient passenger flows.
At the 11th AFI Aviation Symposium, held during AFI Aviation Week in Cairo in July 2026 in Cairo in July 2026, States and aviation stakeholders examined the barriers affecting API and PNR implementation across the AFI Region. The discussions highlighted continuing legal, technical, financial and institutional challenges, as well as the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, harmonized approaches, technical and human capacity, long-term investment and greater regional cooperation.
Building on those outcomes, this session will focus on how implementation can be accelerated and sustained. Panelists will examine how States can strengthen the legal and institutional foundations for API, interactive API (iAPI) and PNR systems, improve coordination among the authorities involved, develop the required technical and human capabilities, and align implementation with ICAO standards and globally harmonized approaches. The discussion will also consider how ICAO, regional organizations, industry and implementation partners can support States at different stages of implementation through targeted assistance, capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and sustainable resourcing.
An evening reception to officially welcome participants to GISS 2027 and bring together participants for networking and new connections.
Participants can check in and collect their event badges at the registration desk upon arrival. This desk also functions as the main information point throughout the event, where our team will be available to answer questions, provide directions, and assist with any programme-related needs.
Kickstart your day with Skytalks with rapid fire talks on the latest innovations in aviation before the panel sessions get underway.
Aviation depends on people acquiring new competencies, adapting to evolving responsibilities and working across increasingly complex operational environments. Yet workforce planning is often treated as a separate challenge rather than a core enabler of implementation.
The aviation industry is facing growing pressure to recruit, retain and develop talent across a range of technical and operational functions. At the same time, workforce needs are evolving as organizations adapt to changing operational requirements, emerging competencies and demographic shifts.
This discussion will examine how workforce requirements are changing across aviation and what this means for regulators, industry and training providers. Panelists will explore where the biggest gaps are emerging, how organizations are adapting their development strategies and what training partnerships and capacity building initiatives are proving most effective in building a skilled and inclusive talent pipeline to meet future aviation needs.
Panelists will also consider how States and training organizations can expand equitable and financially sustainable access to quality aviation training, particularly where resources are limited.
Coffee Meets Innovation: Recharge and catch quick insights from the latest Skytalks session.
A focused conversation with TPP Members on how training institutions are responding to changing operational and workforce needs across aviation. The discussion will also address how TPP can continue to evolve to support the diverse needs of training organizations, expand access to training opportunities and foster greater collaboration across the global training community.
This awards ceremony recognizes the contribution of TPP Members in strengthening aviation training across regions. TPP Members play a key role in delivering practical, standardized training and sharing expertise across the global aviation community. Through their work, States can build the skills and capacity needed to support day-to-day operations.
Enjoy lunch with fellow participants to share insights and expand networks.
Make the most of your lunch break with a Skytalks session on aviation’s latest solutions.
Automation, AI-assisted tools and increasingly data-driven systems are being introduced across a growing range of aviation activities. As technology takes on a greater role in supporting operational decisions, the role of people is evolving alongside it.
The question is no longer whether automation will be used, but how organizations ensure that accountability, judgment and oversight remain firmly in human hands.
This discussion will explore how aviation organizations are balancing automation and human responsibility in operational environments. Panelists will examine how decision-making roles are changing, what competencies personnel need to effectively oversee increasingly automated systems and how States and industry can maintain trust, transparency, accountability and appropriate human oversight
Coffee Meets Innovation: recharge and catch quick insights from the latest Skytalks session.
The adoption of new and amended SARPs can present different challenges across States. Anticipating implementation challenges, including capacity, resource and technical expertise constraints, and understanding their potential impact can help the aviation community respond before gaps develop.
This discussion will examine how ICAO, States and industry can work together to identify implementation challenges earlier in the standards-development process. Panelists will explore how potential implementation impacts can be assessed, how support needs can be better understood, and how technical assistance and capacity-building can be prioritized to address implementation challenges before gaps emerge.
A workshop session for TRAINAIR PLUS Programme (TPP) members and other stakeholders interested in aviation training, offering an opportunity to exchange perspectives and explore areas of common interest. Further details will be confirmed soon.
An immersive celebration showcasing the best of Angola through its culture, cuisine, music and tourism.
Final chance to collect badges before the day begins. This desk also functions as the main information point throughout the event, where our team will be available to answer questions, provide directions, and assist with any programme-related needs.
Feasibility studies, assessments, roadmaps and action plans can help States identify priorities and possible solutions. The challenge is turning that work into projects that can be implemented and, where appropriate, attract investment.
ICAO’s Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf/7) will provide an important reference point for this discussion, including its consideration for connectivity, the integration of aviation into national development and investment plans, infrastructure development and financing, as well as ICAO’s role in supporting States with project identification, preparation and prioritization.
At GISS 2027, the discussion will consider how relevant outcomes of ATConf/7 can be carried forward through practical implementation support, drawing on examples from Africa and other regions. Panelists will examine what is needed to move beyond identified priorities, studies and planning towards projects that are ready for implementation, including where challenges and gaps are likely to arise, how financing and partnerships can be mobilized, and where ICAO and relevant stakeholders can support States in advancing projects.
The session will set the stage for the Shark Tank session by highlighting the different forms of support and partnerships that may be needed to move aviation projects from planning towards implementation and financing.
Coffee Meets Innovation: recharge and catch quick insights from the latest Skytalks session.
Building on the GISS 2026 Shark Tank format, the session will feature selected ICAO-supported aviation development projects addressing priority needs identified by Member States. The projects will be presented in the context of their current stage of development, with the discussion focused on progress made, what can realistically be achieved to move them forward, and where further support may be needed.
An expert panel drawn from industry, finance and development organizations will provide practical feedback on the projects presented, including potential avenues for partnerships financing and technical support.
The objective is to draw lessons from the experience presented and identify realistic next steps to help advance aviation projects towards implementation.
Closing remarks and key outcomes from GISS 2027 and announcement of GISS 2028
Enjoy lunch with fellow participants to share insights and expand networks
Details to follow. Participation is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Onsite registration required.
Safe travels and thanks for participating!
ICAO's Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2027 will bring together ministers, aviation leaders, industry partners, financial institutions and development organizations to explore practical solutions for advancing global aviation priorities.
Over three days, participants will examine how to build resilient aviation systems, develop the workforce and capabilities needed to manage change, and strengthen the partnerships, financing and support mechanisms required to move from planning to implementation. Through high-level discussions and networking opportunities, GISS 2027 will showcase how collaboration and implementation support can help States achieve sustainable aviation development in an increasingly complex global environment.
