Punta Cana to host Civil Aviation Symposium, 95 countries to attend

Punta Cana.- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to host its III Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) in the vibrant tourist destination of Punta Cana from April 30 to May 2, 2024, expecting representatives from 95 countries to attend.

Announced by Héctor Porcella, the Director-General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), this event holds significant importance within the realm of ICAO, marking its inaugural occurrence on the American Continent. Porcella emphasized the selection of the Dominican Republic as the symposium’s venue as a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in global aviation.

The organizing committee has extended official invitations to President Luis Abinader to preside over the opening ceremony, alongside Minister of Tourism David Collado, and other dignitaries from the Dominican aeronautical and business sectors.

Under the leadership of ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar, the symposium aims to showcase ICAO’s latest digital tools, highlight key initiatives, and foster collaborative efforts to enhance aviation resilience, innovation, sustainable development, and operational solutions.

Themed “Optimizing Aviation Capacity: Strategies for Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future,” interactive panels will explore crucial activities supporting implementation and capacity development. Topics will encompass modernized airport infrastructure, crisis response, advanced air mobility, and the role of air transport in tourism growth. Aeronautical training will be a focal point, examining the significance of emerging technologies in effective training projects and competency-based training to cultivate a skilled workforce adaptable to future demands.

Discussions will also center on the “Finvest Hub” initiative, emphasizing increased collaboration between the aviation sector and financial institutions to achieve the goal of decarbonizing aviation by 2050.

In addition to engaging with aviation experts, Member States will have the opportunity to explore the latest products and services from sector sponsors and exhibitors.