ICAO Holds High-Level Meeting on Global Aviation Workforce Development in Morocco

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) convened a pivotal high-level meeting on human capital development during its Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS-2026) in Marrakech, Morocco, held from April 14 to 16. The event brought together global ambassadors and leaders of ICAO's Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) program to address the critical need for a skilled workforce in civil aviation.

The symposium, themed "Regional Solutions, Global Benefits," served as a key international platform for discussing the implementation of aviation standards and capacity building. In his opening remarks, ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air transport for all, framing the event as a starting point for implementing ICAO's Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2050.

The high-level meeting on human capital featured participation from ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, global ambassadors, program leaders, and leading international experts in aviation education. Kazakhstan's delegation was led by Saltanat Tompieva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.

Saltanat Tompieva also participated in her capacity as an Ambassador for ICAO's Global Ambassador Programme, a role she was appointed to in January 2026. Addressing the ambassadors, Secretary General Salazar stated that the appointment is not only an honor but a serious responsibility to represent and implement the highest standards expected by ICAO.

Kazakhstan's involvement at this level underscores its growing role in advancing the international agenda for developing aviation professionals. During discussions, Kazakhstan presented its approaches to human capital development, including measures supporting gender equality, youth engagement, and promoting aviation careers.

The meeting highlighted ICAO's priority areas in workforce training, including the NGAP program, the Global Aviation Education Programme (GAEP), and initiatives to empower women in aviation. Participants developed practical approaches to strengthen international cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of implementing these global programs.

Data presented showed that approximately 25,000 specialists are employed in Kazakhstan's civil aviation sector. Notably, over 40% are women. This includes over 2,300 flight attendants and about 600 women in engineering and technical roles. Among approximately 4,000 pilots nationwide are 31 women pilots.