Hong Kong is set to host the third International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) from 21–22 October 2025—a historic first for Asia. The summit will convene at the Kerry Hotel in Kowloon, with Cathay Pacific acting as host airline, marking a vital step in the aviation industry’s pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Why This Symposium Matters Now
Building momentum after the 42nd ICAO Assembly and ahead of COP30, WSS is strategically timed to catalyze tangible actions toward decarbonizing aviation. It offers a platform to spotlight critical issues: government policy support, investment in SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), technological innovations, and value chain collaboration.
Key Themes and Industry Focus
WSS is designed around four pillars:
- Scaling SAF Production: Overcoming supply, logistics, and regulatory hurdles.
- Mobilizing $4.7 Trillion in Funding: Securing the capital needed to repower the aviation sector.
- Integrating Green Tech: Showcasing both established and emerging technologies for sustainable aviation.
- Driving Value Chain Collaboration: Aligning stakeholders across airlines, fuel producers, financiers, regulators, and tech providers.
Leadership Voices at the Forefront
The symposium begins with a February welcome speech by Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, followed by Hong Kong SAR’s Secretary for Transport & Logistics, Mable Chan. A special panel featuring Willie Walsh (IATA Director General) and Patrick Healy (Cathay Group Chair) will review the sector’s progress. Additional expert voices will include:
- Jun Ma – Hong Kong Green Finance Association
- Fabiano Piccino – Kuehne+Nagel Global Sustainability Head
- Jouk Boeye – HSBC Sourcing & Net Zero Operations Leader
- Christopher Au – WTW Asia-Pacific Climate Risk Director
- Ayesha Choudhury – Infinium CCO
A Call for Radical Collaboration
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior VP of Sustainability, emphasizes that achieving net-zero aviation requires concerted action across sectors—spanning aviation, energy, finance, and policy. WSS is envisioned as a catalyst that unites these sectors to deliver real-world sustainability outcomes.
Why Hong Kong is a Natural Choice
Hong Kong’s selection as host city reflects its global connectivity, advanced MICE infrastructure, and potential as an SAF hub for Asia. Its reputation as a sustainable, safe, and smart destination further strengthens its appeal for high-impact global events.
What to Anticipate
WSS is expected to attract 500+ delegates, including airlines, policymakers, fuel producers, financiers, renewable tech innovators, and regulators. The symposium will deliver actionable insights, practical strategies, and collaborative momentum to steer aviation toward a low-carbon future.
Hong Kong as an Aviation & Sustainability Leader
By hosting WSS, Hong Kong consolidates its global standing as a hub for aviation leadership and green innovation. The forum reinforces its role in shaping global aviation policy and emerging as Asia’s center for sustainable aviation initiatives.
Summary
The IATA World Sustainability Symposium 2025 in Hong Kong marks Asia’s first major aviation sustainability event. It seeks to converge global leaders to fast-track SAF development, unlock billion-dollar financing, foster green tech, and align aviation’s value chain. Aligned with major climate milestones, the symposium signifies a defining moment in aviation’s roadmap to net-zero emissions.
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