Strengthening Civil Aviation Through International Collaboration
On April 14, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2026) held in Marrakech, Morocco, two significant agreements were established between the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These agreements are aimed at enhancing training and fostering innovation within the civil aviation sector.
The first agreement focuses on strengthening international cooperation in civil aviation by implementing an international training program for civil aviation inspectors that will benefit member states, particularly those in the developing world. This three-year program, set to commence this year, aims to train nearly 100 inspectors annually, thereby bolstering safety capabilities and improving performance indicators for international civil aviation oversight. The training will encompass various critical areas, including flight operations, aircraft airworthiness, aviation security, air navigation, accident investigations, and air transport, all in accordance with ICAO standards. Classes will be conducted in Morocco, available in both in-person and hybrid formats, and will be delivered in French and English.
Under this agreement, ICAO will support the program's management by facilitating communication with member states, processing grant requests, and issuing admission decisions. Meanwhile, the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics will be responsible for financing the program and providing the necessary infrastructure and equipment to ensure its success. This initiative represents a strategic move to establish Morocco as a regional hub for civil aviation training and to nurture international expertise dedicated to the safety and security of global air transport.
Enhancing Morocco's Air Transport System
The second agreement, also signed by Moroccan Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, aims to improve the Moroccan air transport system by enhancing facilitation and security capabilities in line with international standards. The facilitation project focuses on optimizing passenger flow management and border control, emphasizing risk assessment practices for specific passenger categories, including unauthorized individuals. It seeks to enhance facilitation procedures to ensure that heightened security requirements do not hinder smooth passenger traffic, aiming for a balance between control measures and passenger comfort.
In terms of aviation security, this project addresses critical areas such as the inspection and control of individuals with special privileges, including diplomats, in accordance with international conventions. The agreement also emphasizes the need to bolster security for sensitive and high-risk cargo and to develop cybersecurity measures to safeguard aviation systems and sensitive data.
By conducting assessments led by experts and engaging various stakeholders, the agreement intends to cultivate sustainable capabilities that support Morocco's strategic objectives in the aviation sector and reinforce its position as a regional leader. Additionally, an agreement was signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Silk Way Group, focusing on the transition to eco-friendly airports and aligning airport development with ICAO’s environmental standards and best practices in sustainable development. Similarly, Nigeria received its civil aviation master plan, which serves as a long-term roadmap for sector development, enhancing air connectivity and adherence to international standards.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom announced a significant voluntary contribution aimed at strengthening security and training programs, supporting ICAO's digital transformation, and developing leadership skills. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, ICAO-GISS 2026 is being organized from April 14 to 16 in Marrakech by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics in partnership with ICAO, under the theme "Regional Solutions, Global Benefits."
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
