Kazakhstan Advocates for Practical Regional Aviation Safety at Global Symposium

At the Global Symposium GISS-2026 in Marrakech, Morocco, a key panel session focused on enhancing regional cooperation for aviation safety and accident investigation. The discussion centered on the role of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) and Regional Accident Investigation Organizations (RAIOs) within the global aviation security framework.

Moderated by Mohamed Khalifa Rahma, Director of the Air Transport Bureau at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the session featured high-level speakers from aviation authorities worldwide. Participants addressed critical challenges facing states, including shortages of personnel and financial resources, alongside the need to harmonize regulatory frameworks with ICAO standards.

It was noted that regional mechanisms serve as effective tools for pooling resources, conducting joint audits, and ultimately elevating flight safety levels across member states.

During the debate, special emphasis was placed on practical approaches to boost the efficiency of regional collaboration. Saltanat Tompieva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee under Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport, outlined her country's perspective. "From Kazakhstan's viewpoint, ensuring that regional mechanisms deliver tangible benefits boils down to several practical principles," she stated. "Foremost are responsiveness and experience sharing: these mechanisms must be flexible and aligned with the real needs of states."

Tompieva stressed cooperation on specific tasks—such as aligning regulations, addressing oversight gaps, or preparing for audits—to ensure support is both timely and effective. She highlighted the value of hands-on interaction: "Our experience shows that targeted technical missions, expert exchanges, and joint audit preparations often yield faster and more tangible results than formal processes. This cooperation grants states access to specialized knowledge and strengthens regional capacity."

The discussion underscored that further development of RSOOs and RAIOs should be grounded in principles of sustainable financing, effective governance, and adopting risk-based and digital approaches in oversight activities.

The role of regional cooperation in accelerating ICAO standards implementation and bolstering global aviation system resilience was also highlighted separately.

In conclusion, participants agreed that regional mechanisms are becoming an integral part of the global aviation safety architecture. They enhance oversight efficiency and foster international collaboration.

The Republic of Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional cooperation further. It stands ready to contribute practically towards strengthening a safe, sustainable, and interconnected civil aviation system.