GSAM Recognized as ICAO Annual Event 235th Session of ICAO Council Decides
UAE GSAM Accepted as ICAO Annual Event
The UAE’s Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) has been officially accepted as an institutional annual event on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) calendar. The landmark decision was made during the 235th Session of the ICAO Council.
This recognition is a rare and significant recognition for a state-initiated concept, elevating it to a regularly scheduled, internationally supported platform within the global aviation community.
First launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2025 alongside the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), the GSAM initiative aims to accelerate sustainable practices in global aviation by bringing together ecosystem stakeholders, including airlines, manufacturers, regulators and investors, to advance the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and climate finance solutions under the auspices of ICAO (Finvest Hub).
ICAO’s decision recognizes the country’s dedicated efforts in establishing this event and formally integrating it into the organization’s global calendar. This move highlights the UAE’s growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable aviation and its ability to provide scalable, institutional solutions to global challenges.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said, “Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to lead the civil aviation sector regionally and internationally. This achievement reflects the UAE’s prominent position on the global civil aviation map and reaffirms its excellence in developing future solutions and creating sustainable and innovative global initiatives that drive the growth and competitiveness of this important sector in line with global development needs.
“We have succeeded in transforming a national concept into a global institutional platform that supports the goals of ICAO and contributes to creating a more efficient and resilient aviation ecosystem in line with world best practices.”
The UAE’s global sustainable development ambitions have been achieved
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, recently highlighted a significant achievement for the UAE, saying, “We are proud that the GSAM initiative, which was once a national vision, is now a Official ICAO-supported global event. This milestone is a testament to the UAE’s strategic focus on sustainability and our belief in inclusive, multilateral cooperation for progress.”
This statement highlights the UAE’s commitment to transforming national initiatives into global collaboration, particularly in key areas of sustainability. The formal endorsement of GSAM (Global Sustainable Aviation Summit) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) elevates a homegrown vision to an international platform. It reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and commitment to building comprehensive cooperation to address global challenges. This move solidifies the UAE’s role as a key player in championing sustainable practices globally.
The ICAO Council members commended the UAE’s leadership and vision, noting that the UAE has a visionary approach in taking decisive steps towards achieving sustainability and promoting innovation, presenting a model for the world on how to transform vision into reality.
The UAE, through its Permanent Mission to ICAO, The Emirates proposed the initiative in 2024, with a clear goal: to establish a global market to support the transformation of aviation by connecting policy, technology and finance. Net-zero carbon emissions. The idea quickly gained traction and was implemented through a coordinated effort between the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Permanent Mission team in Montreal, and various local and international partners.
Preparations for the second edition of GSAM are now underway, and it is hoped that the event will attract a wide range of participants from around the world and serve as a tangible forum to advance ICAO’s Long-Term Ambition Target (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
