By Abbas Nazil
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has reinforced global efforts toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050 following a landmark Assembly that secured unprecedented unity among all 193 member states.
Meeting in Montréal, Canada, the Assembly strengthened international collaboration, endorsed cleaner energy pathways, and laid the foundation for greater investment in sustainable air transport.
The resolutions adopted directly advance ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050, which targets the decarbonization of international aviation.
This commitment builds on the global agreement reached at the 2022 Assembly to achieve net-zero emissions.
A major highlight was the adoption of the ICAO Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels, and other clean energy sources.
States agreed on a collective target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 5 percent by 2030, backed by policies, regulations, and financing mechanisms to support implementation.
The Assembly also approved the full operationalization of the ICAO Finvest Hub, designed to connect decarbonization projects with public and private investors.
The Hub aims to enhance climate finance access, especially for developing countries seeking to modernize their aviation sectors.
Member States reaffirmed commitment to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the world’s only global market-based mechanism for aviation emissions.
Participation in CORSIA has now expanded to 130 States, supported by the ACT-CORSIA programme.
Beyond carbon reduction, the Assembly advanced discussions on noise pollution, local air quality, single-use plastics, and non-CO₂ effects.
It also emphasized stronger scientific input and cooperation for climate risk assessments, disaster response, and infrastructure resilience.
With 154 States now submitting CO₂ reduction plans—up from 133 in 2022—ICAO’s decisions mark a united global commitment to sustainable aviation and a decisive move toward a decarbonized future for the air transport industry.
