Montr©al: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), organised the High-Level Youth Summit on Aviation, aimed at empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. The event was held in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and supported by the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), Airports Council International (ACI), the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL), and the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce (GAAST). The Summit took place on the sidelines of the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montr©al.
According to Emirates News Agency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, opened the Summit by emphasising the importance of international collaboration for the future of aviation. He noted that the event's wide participation from global partners reflects a shared vision to rely on the talent, creativity, and leadership of young people. The Summit aims to empower the next generation of aviation professionals, addressing urgent challenges in the sector such as digital transformation, climate change, and sustainability.
Al Suwaidi highlighted the necessity of innovative ideas and international cooperation to overcome these challenges, stressing the Summit's role in ensuring active youth participation in shaping the sector's future. The Summit provided a platform for young global participants to engage in discussions aligned with ICAO's Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, facilitating idea exchange and connection-building.
The event included contributions from senior officials of leading international aviation organisations and featured youth-led discussions, panel sessions, and specialised workshops. These sessions covered topics like future skills in aviation and aerospace, opportunities for young professionals, new technologies in airport operations, and their impact on efficiency and passenger experience. The Summit also addressed global aviation priorities such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
Additionally, the Summit promoted networking and knowledge-sharing among participants, contributing to promising career pathways for young professionals and supporting international cooperation in the aviation sector.