The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 edition of its World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) will take place in Hong Kong on October 21 and 22. Hosted by Cathay Pacific, this marks the first time the WSS will be held in Asia and underscores the region’s rising importance in shaping aviation’s sustainable future.

The two-day event will bring together leaders from across aviation, energy, finance, and public policy to discuss pathways to decarbonize the aviation sector and achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The WSS is expected to act as a critical convening space for tackling the biggest roadblocks in aviation’s energy transition.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Takes Center Stage

A central theme of the symposium will be the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is widely regarded as one of the most effective near-term solutions for reducing aviation-related emissions.

Cathay Pacific CEO Ronald Lam emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to meet climate goals. He also highlighted Hong Kong’s potential to become a strategic hub for SAF production and distribution across Asia, noting that the city’s connectivity and financial infrastructure offer a strong foundation for such a role.

Bridging Global Climate and Aviation Milestones

The timing of the symposium is significant. It comes after the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where industry representatives are expected to push for stronger policy support for SAF and continued backing of the CORSIA carbon offsetting scheme. The WSS will also precede the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, where world leaders will be tasked with converting climate commitments into actionable policies.

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By sitting between these two global milestones, the WSS aims to serve as a bridge—translating regulatory ambition into sector-wide collaboration.

A $4.7 Trillion Challenge and the Role of Finance

One of the biggest barriers to decarbonization remains cost. IATA estimates that reaching net zero by 2050 will require $4.7 trillion in investment across the aviation ecosystem. The WSS will tackle this head-on with dedicated sessions focused on how to mobilize private capital, secure green financing, and de-risk investments into SAF and other emerging technologies.

Speakers from major financial institutions such as HSBC, WTW, and the Hong Kong Green Finance Association will share insights on innovative financing structures and policy frameworks to unlock investment at scale.

Technology and Value Chain Integration

Another area of focus will be accelerating the adoption of breakthrough technologies. From electric propulsion systems to carbon capture and hydrogen-based fuels, the symposium will explore how both startups and legacy manufacturers can integrate innovation into mainstream operations.

Participants will also examine how to increase cooperation across the entire aviation value chain from airports and logistics providers to fuel suppliers and regulators—to close remaining gaps and speed up implementation.

Key Speakers and Collaborative Agenda

The event will open with a welcome address by Ronald Lam and a keynote from Mable Chan, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Logistics. A headline leadership dialogue between Cathay Pacific Chair Patrick Healy and IATA Director General Willie Walsh will set the tone for discussions on the future of flight.

Additional speakers will include representatives from Infinium, Kuehne+Nagel, and other major players in green logistics, sustainable fuel innovation, and international policy.

A Call for Holistic Action

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability, framed the WSS as a platform for “radical collaboration.” She argued that aviation’s path to net zero is not an isolated effort, but part of a much broader global transition that includes agriculture, technology, finance, and energy systems.

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According to Thomsen, achieving meaningful change requires a holistic, systems-level approach. The WSS aims to catalyze that transformation by breaking down silos and fostering a new level of cooperation between sectors.

Looking Ahead

As the global spotlight shifts to Asia, the 2025 WSS in Hong Kong may mark a turning point in how the aviation industry confronts climate change. Whether the outcome is increased SAF capacity, clearer investment roadmaps, or stronger international alignment, one thing is clear: the future of flight depends not just on engineering, but on collaboration across industries, countries, and disciplines.

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