22 Nations Endorse Marrakech Call to Action to Drive Safer, Greener Global Aviation by 2050
A major shift in the future of global aviation has been set in motion as 22 countries formally backed a landmark Call to Action aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Strategic Plan, outlining an ambitious vision for a safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable air transport system by 2050.
The agreement, adopted at the opening of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2026 in Marrakech, marks a significant milestone in international cooperation within the aviation sector.
Known as the Marrakech Call to Action, the initiative sets out a roadmap aimed at achieving zero fatalities in air travel and net-zero carbon emissions globally by mid-century.
The high-level Ministerial Round Table, which convened global aviation leaders, underscored the urgency of coordinated action to address both safety and sustainability challenges facing the industry.
Participating countries committed to strengthening governance frameworks and institutional capacity, while also prioritising funding mechanisms to unlock aviation growth and development.
A central pillar of the agreement is the empowerment of the next generation of aviation professionals, recognising the need for a skilled and future-ready workforce to sustain the industry’s evolution.
The Call to Action further emphasises accountability and collective implementation, ensuring that commitments translate into measurable progress.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma described the development as a defining moment for global aviation cooperation.
“Let this Symposium be remembered as the first step in implementing ICAO’s 2026–2050 Strategic Plan,” Onuma declared. “Delivering safe, secure, and sustainable air transport for all is our ambition, and our shared responsibility.”
The Marrakech Call to Action also reinforces ICAO’s flagship No Country Left Behind initiative, which seeks to ensure that all nations – particularly those with limited resources – benefit from advancements in aviation.
Ministers highlighted the pressing need for innovative partnerships and creative financing models to bridge longstanding gaps, especially in underserved regions.
Such measures, they noted, are critical to expanding aviation’s role as a driver of economic growth and connectivity, while ensuring inclusivity across global air transport systems.
Attention at the symposium is now shifting towards the negotiation of bilateral agreements designed to support the implementation of these commitments.
Delegates are also engaging in a series of high-level panel discussions to exchange expertise and identify practical pathways for achieving the plan’s objectives.
The symposium has drawn participation from 101 countries, alongside numerous intergovernmental organisations and key stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem.
Proceedings are expected to conclude tomorrow – Thursday, on 16 April 2026 – with outcomes anticipated to shape the trajectory of global aviation policy for decades to come.
