Engagement and outreach
Cooperation with other United Nations bodies in environmental protection
In 2021, ICAO monitored and participated in preparatory meetings and activities leading up to the
26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), including the United Nations High-level Dialogue on Energy and events organized by the United Nations high-level champions under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action. The
COP26 took place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 31 October to 13 November, and led to the adoption of a series of
decisions, including on the implementation of international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The ICAO Council encouraged Member States to collaborate on outreach activities related to COP26 to ensure that ICAO achievements in international aviation and climate change would be well presented and recognized. The Council requested the Secretariat to explore innovative ways to showcase the Organization’s work, including through the development of outreach materials and organization of COP26 side events. Information on ICAO’s outreach activities is available
here.
ICAO cooperated with the
UN Environmental Management Group (EMG), which is chaired by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to maintain and enhance the recognition of ICAO’s continued leadership in all environmental matters related to international aviation. The focus of such work has been to promote
carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability in the management of United Nations facilities and operations, including through the introduction of environmental management systems (EMSs), and to engage in the yearly coordination, preparation and submission of greenhouse gas inventories.
Through its Carbon Emissions Calculator, the ICAO Secretariat has been providing key support and updated tools for estimating the air travel-related portion of greenhouse gas inventories across the United Nations system. In 2021, the EMG finalized Phase II of the
Strategy for sustainability management in the United Nations system, 2020–2030, which addresses the broad issue of environmental and social sustainability in United Nations policies, programming and support functions.
ICAO and the EMG have also held discussions on biodiversity and nature-based solutions, sand and dust storms, disaster risk reductions, and other topics directly linked to ICAO’s work in sustainable aviation fuels, aircraft end-of-life and recycling, adaptation to climate change, and other areas. Cooperation between ICAO and the EMG has also involved coordination with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Global Logistics Cluster Support Cell, World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
ICAO Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation
In 2021, more partners joined the
ICAO Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation with a view to promoting sustainable international aviation. During COP26, the ICAO Secretariat launched the first edition of
Innovation Driving Sustainable Aviation, which provides an overview of the innovations presented during the 2021 ICAO Stocktaking on aviation in-sector CO2 emissions reductions, as well as updates from Coalition partners.
ICAO tracker tool on CO2 emissions reduction initiatives
The ICAO tracker tool on CO2 emissions reduction initiatives was developed and made available on the ICAO public website. The tool provides information on recent green innovations in aviation and is structured into five streams: technology, operations, sustainable aviation fuels, net zero initiatives, and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
ICAO Global Youth Engagement
During the 2021 Stocktaking on aviation in-sector CO2 emissions reductions, ICAO made an open call for the establishment of a youth umbrella group enabling young people to engage with ICAO in promoting sustainable aviation. To that end, the
Global Youth Engagement – Facilitation Session was held on
28 October 2021 to share information on the establishment of an independent Youth Umbrella Group for Sustainable Aviation, which would be open to all and aimed at global representation.
ICAO Seminar on Green Airports
The
2021 ICAO Seminar on Green Airports was held to discuss new and emerging innovations in the field of airport management and environmental best practices. The seminar covered a range of topics, including: climate change mitigation and adaptation; clean energy transition; airport infrastructure requirements to produce, transport and supply alternative energy sources at airports; the financing of environmental projects and the circular economy; and latest innovations to meet the growing ambitions of airports in terms of sustainability. The Seminar provided an opportunity to showcase ambitious airport projects and discuss the next steps in global environmental policy and strategy.
ICAO Flying Forest Fire Fighting (I4F) Dialogue
The ICAO
Flying Forest Fire Fighting (I4F) Dialogue served as a forum for exchanging information on best practices and initiatives and strengthening international cooperation in the area of aerial fire fighting. During the Dialogue, participants highlighted the importance of ICAO’s role in forest fire fighting and identified possible initiatives in this area, including: the establishment of an informal multi-stakeholder working group; the identification of focal points across ICAO Member States to increase awareness of, and encourage support for, forest fire fighting efforts; the promotion of innovations in fire fighting, forecasting, mitigation and prevention; and further coordination to facilitate new, harmonized regulations.
