Montréal, 10 June 2025 - The first ICAO Aviation Climate Week has concluded with progress across multiple environmental initiatives, bringing together over 500 delegates to accelerate global aviation's path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Key advances in sustainable aviation fuels, the clean energy transition, and implementation support have strengthened international momentum ahead of important environment discussions at the ICAO Assembly this September.
Delegates discussed the significant progress that has been achieved on implementing existing environmental frameworks, particularly focusing on the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other Aviation Cleaner Energies.
The three-day event, held from 2 to 4 June at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, convened high-level government officials, industry leaders, academia, and civil society experts who engaged in sessions on emerging technologies, operational improvements, clean energy transition, implementation support, climate finance, Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), non-CO2 aviation emissions, green airports, climate adaptation and recycling.
"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," remarked ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano on the opening panel. "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."
Unlocking climate finance was a central topic during the Aviation Climate Week, with discussions focusing on facilitating access to finance for aviation decarbonization projects. ICAO and IRENA announced a new web-based platform anticipated for launch at the ICAO Assembly. The first of its kind, this initiative will serve as a gateway connecting project developers with potential investors, making it easier to secure funding for aviation decarbonization projects. The two organizations highlighted their cooperation to operationalize the ICAO Finvest Hub, building upon IRENA's rich experience with its 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," remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. "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."
Another highlight of the week included the celebration of three years 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, acknowledging their collective role in advancing sustainable aviation fuels. More than 250 Partners have joined the programme, with 29 studies currently planned.
The ACT-SAF programme also took a significant step forward during the event with the signing by ICAO of a tripartite partnership with Airbus and Volaris to conduct a feasibility study in Mexico, and the announcement by Switzerland of a new contribution to it.
Publication on the ICAO public website of the 2025 ICAO Environmental Report, showcasing the progress and commitment of the aviation sector across a broad range of environmental topics was announced by Jane Hupe, ICAO's Air Transport Bureau Deputy Director for Environmental Protection.
The ICAO Assembly will take place at ICAO Headquarters from 23 September to 3 October 2025. All 193 ICAO Member States will be convened to deliberate and adopt binding resolutions of strategic importance to the safe and sustainable development of air transport worldwide.
