1 May 2015: Through a multi-regional outreach effort carried out in April 2015, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) connected with 35o stakeholders from 79 countries to discuss market-based mechanisms (MBMs) as a means of mitigating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from international aviation. This first round of Global Aviation Dialogues (GLADs) on MBMs, involved two-day sessions in five regions, where participants heard updates on ICAO’s development of a global MBM scheme and offered feedback.

Each GLAD started with four presentations, followed by question and answer sessions on: ICAO’s environment work; aviation emissions trends; market-based measures; and key elements of an aviation MBM. An update and reflections from the aviation industry followed. Participants then took part in parallel thematic dialogues and shared highlights from their discussions with the plenary. Lastly, an interactive discussion was held with a panel of representatives from States, regional bodies and international organizations.

The thematic dialogues underscored the importance of environmental integrity, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a global scheme, the need for differentiation without discrimination and the goal of avoiding excessive cost or administrative burdens.

Commenting on the value of the GLAD series, ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin stated that: “Promoting discussion and dialogue of this nature amongst governments is essential to determining practical consensus on a global MBM scheme for international aviation at the upcoming 2016 ICAO Assembly.” According to ICAO, many participants hailed from countries not represented on the ICAO Council, whose members represent 36 countries and govern the ICAO. ICAO’s work on MBM is being guided by the Council.

Daniel Azema, Directeur de Cabinet of the Secretary General, added that participants left the sessions excited for the next round of GLADs, at which time ICAO intends to have its concrete proposal for a global MBM scheme ready.

The GLADs took place on 9-10 April in Lima, Peru (Americas), 14-15 April in Nairobi, Kenya (Africa), 20-21 April in Cairo, Egypt (Middle East), 23-24 April in Singapore (Asia Pacific) and 27-28 April in Madrid, Spain (Europe and North Atlantic). [ICAO Press Release] [ICAO GLADs Webpage]