Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation attends the 4th ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025)

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka, is participating in the 4th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025), which is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The three-day event from 10 – 12 February 2025 under the theme: ‘The Next Flight: Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow is aimed at enhancing safety, security and sustainability of civil aviation worldwide.’

GISS 2025 has welcomed participation from a diverse array of entities, including ministries, civil aviation authorities, international and regional organisations, aviation service providers (air navigation service providers, airport operators, airlines), financial and development institutions, HR departments, training organisations, academic institutions, industry partners, and other interested parties.

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE, in collaboration with ICAO, officially inaugurated the event on Monday, 10 February 2025. In his opening remarks, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, emphasised that the symposium will concentrate on two pivotal areas reshaping the industry: sustainability and artificial intelligence, while maintaining the safety and security of aviation operations. Mr. Sciacchitano also noted that sustainability in aviation extends beyond environmental considerations; it includes long-term economic sustainability and operational efficiency. The GISS will examine the changing regulatory framework, global standards, and the secure integration of emerging technologies into aviation operations. The focus is on advancing the ‘No Country Left Behind” ICAO strategy.

On the first day of the symposium, the Honourable Minister participated in the panel discussions, which focused on the role of aviation in advancing Fiji’s economic and societal objectives, as well as the significance of Fiji’s collaboration with ICAO in fostering a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation environment.

In his address during the panel, the Honourable Minister underscored the necessity of establishing a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation framework that instills confidence in air travel, thereby contributing to social and economic stability. The Honourable Minister pointed out the notable advancements in Fiji’s aviation safety oversight system, which were acknowledged by ICAO in 2022, where Fiji was awarded the ICAO Council Present Certificate.

The program for the symposium includes high-level panel discussions, topics relating to capacity development and implementation support, leveraging artificial intelligence, strengthening implementation support for resource-constrained states, and the ICAO Finvest Hub for sustainable investments. Training workshops for participants are also included in the programme. The event is envisaged to help strengthen international partnership and networking and contribute to shaping the future of the civil aviation sector. 

Additionally, the attendance of Aviation Ministers at the first Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace, which is being held in Dubai on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, is a major initiative aimed at accelerating the development of low-carbon alternative fuels for the aviation sector.

The Honourable Minister is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation at this event, together with Fiji’s Ambassador to the UAE and the First Secretary. 

ENDS

About the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is the lead government agency responsible for policy, planning, and sustainable development of Fiji’s tourism and civil aviation sectors. Guided by the National Sustainable Tourism Framework, the Ministry ensures that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to the Fijian economy and its people.

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Contact:

Manoa K. K. Rayawa Communications Coordinator,
Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation
Level 4, Civic Tower, Victoria Parade, Suva.
Phone: 9922586 | Email: manoa.rayawa01@mtca.gov.fj