The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced its third World Sustainability Symposium (WSS), to be held in Hong Kong from October 21-22 and hosted by Cathay Pacific.
Bringing together key figures from aviation, energy, finance, and government, this is the first time the event will take place in Asia.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “Collaboration across multiple sectors and regulators is essential for aviation to achieve its decarbonization goals,” pointing out that Hong Kong has potential as a major hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the future.
IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh described the symposium as coming at a “crucial point.”
“Airlines are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But we have not seen sufficient, timely action by policymakers, aerospace manufacturers, oil companies, or fuel producers to support this commitment. This event is an essential rallying call for all those who have a stake in air transport’s future to overcome any challenges in the way of accelerating the pace of this crucial energy transition,” said Walsh.
The event follows the 42nd ICAO Assembly where the industry will have advocated for stronger government policies on SAF and the integrity of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). It also precedes COP30, which will focus on converting global pledges into tangible actions.
The WSS agenda will feature in-depth discussions on practical steps to accelerate decarbonization, including:
- Overcoming obstacles to expanding SAF production.
- Securing the $4.7 trillion in financing required for the energy transition.
- Integrating new technology from both established players and start-ups.
- Enhancing collaboration across the entire value chain.
Willie Walsh speaking at the 2024 IATA Global Media Event in Geneva
