The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka is participating in the 4th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025), which is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi UAE. The three-day event from 10 – 12 February 2025 under the theme: ‘The Next Flight: Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow is aimed at enhancing safety, security and sustainability of civil aviation worldwide.’
GISS 2025 has welcomed participation from a diverse array of entities, including Ministries, Civil Aviation Authorities, international and regional organizations, aviation service providers (air navigation service providers, airport operators, airlines), financial and development institutions, HR departments, training organizations, academic institutions, industry partners, and other interested parties.
The General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE, in collaboration with ICAO officially inaugurated the event on Monday 10 February 2025. In his opening remarks, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, emphasised that the symposium will concentrate on two pivotal areas reshaping the industry: sustainability and artificial intelligence, while maintaining the safety and security of aviation operations. Mr. Sciacchitano also noted that sustainability in aviation extends beyond environmental considerations; it includes long-term economic sustainability and operational efficiency. The GISS will examine the changing regulatory framework, global standards and the secure integration of emerging technologies into aviation operations. The focus is on advancing the ‘No Country Left Behind” ICAO strategy.
On the first day of the symposium the Honorable Minister participated in the panel discussions which focussed on the role of aviation in advancing Fiji’s economic and societal objectives, as well as the significance of Fiji’s collaboration with ICAO in fostering a safe, secure and sustainable aviation environment.
In his address during the panel, the Honorable Minister underscored the necessity of establishing a safe, secure and sustainable aviation framework that instils confidence in air travel, thereby contributing to social and economic stability. The Honorable Minister pointed out the notable advancement in Fiji’s aviation safety oversight system, which were acknowledged by ICAO in 2022 where Fiji was awarded the ICAO Council Present Certificate.
The program for the symposium includes high level panel discussions, topics relating to capacity development and implementation support, leveraging artificial intelligence, strengthening implementation support for resource-constrained States and the ICAO Finvest Hub for sustainable investments. Training workshops for participants are also included the program. The event is envisaged to help strengthen international partnership and networking, and contribute to shaping the future of the civil aviation sector.
Additionally, the attendance of Aviation Ministers at the first Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace which is being held in Dubai on Tuesday 11 February 2025, is a major initiative aimed at accelerating the development of low-carbon alternative fuel for the aviation sector.
The Honourable Minister is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation at this event together with Fiji’s Ambassador to the UAE and the First Secretary.