Global Aviation Gathers Pace Towards Net-Zero, Milestones Achieved at ICAO’s First Climate Week
The inaugural International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation Climate Week has ended on a high note, with significant advancements made across key environmental initiatives aimed at accelerating the global aviation sector’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Held from 2 to 4 June 2025 at the ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, the three-day summit attracted over 500 delegates, including high-level government officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society experts.
Participants engaged in robust discussions and collaborative sessions on a wide range of climate-related themes such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), cleaner energy alternatives, emerging aviation technologies, climate finance, and green airport operations.
One of the primary focuses of the event was the ongoing implementation of ICAO’s environmental frameworks, with special attention to the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other clean energy solutions.
Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these frameworks, recognising their essential role in achieving long-term climate goals.
Speaking during the opening panel, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano urged the global aviation community to maintain the momentum built during the event.
“The decisions already taken by ICAO must now be implemented, and the goals we have set must now become reality – both with the utmost urgency,” he said. “I urge all of you, as leaders, experts, and stakeholders, to carry this momentum forward. I am certain that the foundation we have established will enable even more ambitious and coordinated climate action in the years ahead.”
A central theme throughout the week was unlocking access to climate finance. ICAO and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) jointly announced a forthcoming web-based platform set to be launched during the ICAO Assembly in September.
The platform, a first of its kind, will serve as a bridge between project developers and investors, streamlining access to funding for aviation decarbonisation initiatives. It forms part of the ICAO Finvest Hub, which is being operationalised in collaboration with IRENA and builds upon the agency’s existing Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform.
“Our global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 cannot be achieved unless SAF, LCAF, and clean energy solutions are scaled up in all regions,” ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasised.
“The Finvest Hub is one of ICAO’s important responses to this challenge. It is how we move from planning to implementation, from commitments to capital, from vision to velocity,” he added.
Another major milestone during the week was the celebration of the third anniversary of the ICAO Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme.
The event brought together ACT-SAF partners and contributors to the ICAO Voluntary Environment Fund to acknowledge their joint efforts in scaling up SAF globally. To date, over 250 partners have joined the ACT-SAF initiative, with 29 feasibility studies currently underway.
The programme also recorded a key development with the signing of a tripartite agreement between ICAO, Airbus, and Volaris to conduct a feasibility study in Mexico. Additionally, Switzerland announced a fresh financial contribution to support ACT-SAF’s continued growth and reach.
During the closing session, Jane Hupe, Deputy Director of the Air Transport Bureau for Environmental Protection at ICAO, revealed plans to publish the 2025 ICAO Environmental Report. The report will provide a comprehensive overview of the aviation sector’s environmental performance and progress across multiple fronts.
The outcomes of ICAO Aviation Climate Week are expected to inform high-level deliberations at the upcoming ICAO Assembly, scheduled to take place at the Montréal Headquarters from 23 September to 3 October 2025.
The Assembly will bring together representatives from all 193 ICAO Member States to adopt binding resolutions critical to the safe, secure, and sustainable development of global air transport.
