When we launched our Next Generation Aviation Professional (NGAP) initiative, we wanted to ensure enough qualified and competent aviation professionals would be available to operate, manage and maintain the future international air transport system. Aviation competes with other industry sectors for highly skilled professionals, so not only did we have to raise awareness so that the next generation would know just how many types of career opportunities there are in this industry, we needed to ensure there was access to affordable training and education.
Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) issues are a priority for many stakeholders: airlines, air navigation service providers, airports, manufacturers, training providers, universities, and others. NGAP issues are a priority for numerous stakeholders, including airlines, air navigation service providers, airports, manufacturers, training institutions, universities, and more. To effectively promote NGAP and build momentum among all stakeholders, it is essential to foster collaboration and elevate NGAP onto the global, regional, and national agendas of Member States, industry, and academia to attract, educate, and retain the next generation of aviation professionals needed to sustain the air transport system.
The United Nations convened the Summit of the Future Action Days on 20 and 21 September 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York to foster discussions on youth development in the aviation sector. The summit brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, and youth. The focus was on key global challenges across three priority themes: digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. Action Days had one goal, to foster broad engagement and inclusion in shaping and implementing the Pact for the Future, with an important focus on future generations.
On the sidelines of this event, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with ICAO and IATA, hosted a virtual side event titled ” Empowering Youth and Future Generations in Civil Aviation.” The virtual event highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping the future of the global civil aviation industry. Senior officials from ICAO, IATA, and other key aviation stakeholders participated in various sessions, fostering discussions on empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.
Aviation is a crucial driver of economic and social growth and plays an essential role in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). In addition to connecting nations, the aviation sector develops millions of jobs, enables tourism and supports sustainable progress worldwide. With an association to 15 of the 17 SDGs, civil aviation serves a critical role in improving people’s lives worldwide.
The Youth Development in Global Civil Aviation event was made possible by the Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation in partnership with ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The virtual event explored how youth engagement is driving innovation and resilience in civil aviation. GACA, ICAO, and IATA shared exclusive highlights about youth programmes, internships, and career pathways that are shaping the next generation of aviation professionals. They discussed future trends and opportunities in the sector, and ways international collaboration is helping bridge skills gaps to create a globally competitive, future-ready aviation workforce.
