ICAO Gender Summit 2026: Closing the Gender Gap Vital for MENA Aviation

Prepared by Fayette Ernesta by invitation, [Op-Ed] specialist in ICAO matters.

From 21–23 July 2026, global aviation leaders assembled in Luanda, Angola, for the 3rd ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit: Advancing Aviation Through the Empowerment of Women. With global data showing that women hold just 5.1% of technical roles (pilots, ATCs, and technicians), the summit highlighted an urgent operational need: advancement towards a 50-50 gender balance across all levels by 2030, in line with ICAO Assembly Resolution A41-26.

Thank you to everyone who answered Aljaweea’s call for participation in the ICAO Landmark Study on Women in Global Aviation. Initial findings were officially shared, shifting the focus onto the real “lived realities” of female professionals. This data directly shaped summit outcomes, driving the official launch of the Mainstreaming Toolkit to remove systemic workplace barriers.

MENA aviation leaders played a significant role in shaping these global outcomes:

  • Eng Maryam Ali Al Balooshi: As Chairperson of ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), she spoke on Panel 1 (21 July) on integrating female empowerment into national policies and sustainable aviation transitions.
  • Ms Rasha Haidar: As Head of Training Operations, she participated in a spotlight session (23 July) standardising inclusive training frameworks for Civil Aviation Authorities.

ICAO MID: Diversity an Economic Necessity

Although ICAO MID Office did not issue any statement at the 2026 summit, it actively supports gender equality initiatives as part of its standing regional policy and has urged Arab states to formalise diversity policies, emphasising that closing the gender gap is an economic necessity to ease workforce shortages. The regional authority issued a clear statement on its website to Arab state regulators and airline executives: 

“The realization of gender equality relies on the firm commitment of States and industry leaders to promote diversity at all levels. MID States’ collaboration with the industry’s stakeholders is essential, particularly in the formalisation of policies and in setting the path towards gender equality.”

ACAO Collaboration Drives Regional Growth

The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) represents the 22 Arab states. This unified stance positions ACAO to support and adopt the Mainstreaming Toolkit and standardise gender-responsive workforce policies throughout Arab regulatory bodies. ACAO has previously collaborated with ICAO on regional workshops and past gender initiatives.

Unleashing Arab Aviation’s True Potential

Across the 22 Arab nations, civil aviation is experiencing exceptional growth. Yet unlocking our region’s true potential requires tapping into 100% of our talent pool. Empowering female talent in operational, administrative, and technical roles is essential to securing the future of MENA aviation.

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