ICAO conference in Dubai focuses on UAS 

24-11-23

More than a hundred countries and a thousand delegates are meeting this week in Dubai to cement their collective commitments to drive the global aviation transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF) and other cleaner energy sources. 

"CAAF/3 convenes just over a year after the historic decision by States on the long-term global goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050," noted ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in his opening remarks at the event. "This agreement through ICAO is a testament to our ever-progressive efforts to achieve coordinated action on cleaner aviation fuels and energy sources, which currently hold the greatest potential for us to take urgent action on the decarbonization of aviation."

During 2023, ICAO conducted outreach and consultations to gather views among States and stakeholders on their expectations for a global framework to facilitate the scaling up of cleaner energy development, production and deployment for aviation. 

Financial institutions and fuel producers were also consulted on measures needed to boost investment in cleaner energy for aviation.

The third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) will present a unique opportunity to consider a clear and robust global framework that responds to these expectations and builds market confidence.  

Key elements of this framework include a collective Vision for Clean Energy Ambition, a harmonized regulatory basis, implementation support initiatives, and concrete means to facilitate financing so that "No Country is Left Behind."

"While cleaner energy in aviation is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and ICAO is closely monitoring progress through its Tracking Tools and the LTAG stocktaking process, substantial investments and funding are still required in this field. Countries have made it clear that they expect ICAO to take the lead and bring them together to agree on the key priorities needed for the transition to cleaner energy to take place, and to provide a platform on which they can develop the effective partnerships needed with the air transport, energy and finance sectors to make sustainable aviation a global reality," commented ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

The five-day conference will continue in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, until November 24, and its outcome will send a strong message to the international community about the determination of ICAO and its Member States in addressing the impact of aviation on the global climate.