We want to welcome aboard aviation and innovation enthusiasts! This year we are embarking on a journey of innovation and sustainability, where we will explore the transformative potential of advanced air mobility (AAM). In this global pursuit, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have the potential to serve as a guiding compass, navigating towards a more equitable and resilient future. ICAO is a strong advocate for sustainable aviation, aligning its strategic objectives with the SDGs and playing a pivotal role in global efforts.
The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected visionary, aspirational and global goals with 169 targets that were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals address a wide range of social, economic and environmental global challenges facing the world, with the aim of achieving a more sustainable and equitable future for all, covering a broad range of topics, including poverty eradication, gender equality, clean energy, climate action, sustainable cities and more.
SDGs are interrelated; progress in one area often depends on progress in others, and they are guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.
AAM is expected to be a transformative force in transportation, poised to redefine mobility through innovative aviation technologies and beyond. AAM encompasses a diverse array of solutions, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), with the overarching goal of enhancing accessibility, promoting sustainability, and revolutionizing transportation norms.
As AAM is implemented globally, it is crucial to navigate this complex landscape with a collaborative and forward-thinking approach. ICAO has embarked on a mission to understand the SDGs and their intersection with AAM. The relationship between AAM and the SDGs underscores its potential to revolutionize aviation and provide global benefits. Indeed, the challenges in AAM extend far beyond safety, encompassing diverse sectors, including urban planning, agriculture, supply chain and logistics, emergency services, public health and safety, to name just a few, and underscoring the multidisciplinary nature inherent to AAM.
In addition to the prerequisite of safety, the primary objective is to embed sustainability principles and practices at the very core of AAM, ensuring that sustainability is an inherent and foundational aspect of AAM development and integration. This assessment is one of the collaborative efforts conducted by the ICAO expert group – Advanced Air Mobility Study Group (AAM SG). The AAM SG aims to develop a well-considered framework and recommendations that embed sustainability principles and practices at the core of the emerging AAM ecosystem.
The First Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024), scheduled from 9 to 12 September 2024, at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, Canada, assumes heightened significance in this context. This symposium is a global platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders from the aviation and non-aviation industry, government agencies, academia, and civil society to explore the potential of AAM. Special sessions dedicated to examining the nexus between AAM and the SDGs will provide a forum for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches.
During these sessions, participants will delve into key themes, including the role of AAM in promoting sustainable urban and rural development, enhancing accessibility, and fostering inclusive growth. Moreover, discussions will center on addressing challenges such as equitable access to AAM services, environmental sustainability, and regulatory frameworks that support responsible AAM deployment.
Navigating the intricate correlations between AAM and the SDGs requires collaboration and engagement between all the potential stakeholders even beyond the traditional aviation universe. The ongoing activities undertaken by ICAO on SDGs represent crucial steps in this journey. These initiatives provide invaluable platforms for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration that will not only shape the trajectory of AAM but also significantly contributing to global sustainability goals.
As we prepare for takeoff, let’s remember that our destination is not just a place but a vision of a sustainable and inclusive future, further enabled by advanced air mobility solutions. See you at AAM 2024 – where the sky’s the limit!
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Remotely Piloted Aircraft system (RPAS)