Rabat, Morocco - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) successfully concluded its third regional workshop on "Future-Proofing Airport Development: Harnessing Technology to Streamline Terminal Operations" in Rabat, Morocco on 24-25 June 2025. The two-day intensive workshop brought together over 30 aviation professionals from 13 countries across Africa, Europe, and North America to explore cutting-edge technologies transforming airport operations.
Hosted in collaboration with the Office National des Aéroports (ONDA) of the Kingdom of Morocco and held in strategic partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Georgia Institute of Technology's Enterprise Innovation Institute , this workshop marks the third instalment of UNITAR's Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme for 2025.
With Morocco preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the workshop addressed critical priorities for modernizing terminal operations through technology. Participants from Burkina Faso, Canada, Egypt, France, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States engaged in comprehensive sessions covering AI integration, cybersecurity, smart terminal solutions, passenger flow optimization, and sustainable technology deployment.
Key workshop objectives included:
- Exploring how AI and technological innovations are transforming airport operations
- Identifying strategies for operational excellence through technology integration
- Examining sustainable technology solutions for modern airports
- Developing frameworks for redesigning the passenger experience
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures in airport systems
The workshop also featured a comprehensive panel discussion bringing together experts, including Mr. Rachid Chafni, Head of Digital Factory at Office National des Aéroports (ONDA), Dr. Maleknaz Nayebi, CIFAL York Associate Director and AI Expert at the University of York, and Dr. Michael Barker, Cybersecurity Expert from the Georgia Institute of Technology, to discuss AI and technological innovations in airports. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions to share experiences and develop collaborative approaches to common challenges.
Ms. Estrella Merlos, Senior Policy Specialist at UNITAR, reflected on the workshop's impact, noting how Morocco's ambitious vision for next-generation airport development, combined with practical insights from global leaders, created a powerful platform for transformation. She emphasized that the knowledge exchanged during the workshop would enable participants to lead technological transformation initiatives and position their airports at the forefront of the global aviation revolution.
The workshop represents a crucial step in preparing African airports for future challenges while leveraging Morocco's strategic position as a bridge between continents. As participants return to their respective countries with actionable insights and strengthened networks, the foundations laid in Rabat will contribute to more efficient, sustainable, and passenger-centric airports across the region.
The Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme continues to build capacities worldwide, with the next regional workshop planned for Singapore later in 2025. Through continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, the programme aims to create a global network of innovative, economically vibrant airports that serve as catalysts for sustainable development.
