Abu dhabi: The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), during its 235th Session, has officially adopted the UAE’s Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) as an institutionalised annual event under ICAO’s official calendar, marking a rare recognition for a state-initiated concept to evolve into a regular, internationally supported platform.
According to Emirates News Agency, the GSAM initiative was first launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2025 on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS). The initiative aims to accelerate sustainable practices in global aviation by bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, including airlines, manufacturers, regulators, and investors. The goal is to drive the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and climate finance solutions under the ICAO (Finvest Hub).
ICAO’s decision to institutionalise the event reflects the UAE’s dedicated efforts to establish GSAM and secure its formal integration into the organisation’s global calendar. This highlights the UAE’s growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable aviation and its ability to deliver scalable, institutional solutions to global challenges.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), expressed that the UAE’s success in transforming a national idea into a global institutional platform supports ICAO’s goals. It contributes to building a more efficient and resilient aviation ecosystem, aligning with global best practices.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, stated that the GSAM initiative, once a national vision, is now a formal ICAO-backed global event. He emphasized that this milestone is a testament to the UAE’s strategic focus on sustainability and inclusive, multilateral collaboration to drive progress.
The ICAO Council members praised the UAE’s leadership and vision, noting its forward-looking approach in achieving sustainability and promoting innovation. The UAE presents a model for the world in turning vision into tangible reality.
The initiative was proposed by the UAE in 2024 through its permanent mission to ICAO, aiming to establish a global marketplace that connects policy, technology, and finance to support aviation’s transition to net-zero emissions. The idea gained traction quickly and was brought to life through coordinated efforts between the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Permanent Mission team in Montreal, and various local and international partners.
Preparations are underway for the second edition of GSAM, which is expected to attract a wide range of global participants. It will serve as a practical forum for advancing ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.