A panel discussion titled “Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (AVSEC NGAP)” was held in Astana as part of ICAO Security Week 2026, focusing on workforce development and preparing the next generation of aviation security professionals.

The discussion brought together ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar; Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport, Talgat Lastayev; Miguel Marin, Deputy Director of ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau; Sonia Hifdi, ICAO Deputy Director for Aviation Security, Cybersecurity and Facilitation; and two young aviation security professionals from Astana International Airport, Valeria Kharlamova and Olzhas Kuanysh.

During the session, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the vital role of young people in shaping the future of global aviation. He highlighted that young professionals bring fresh and unique perspectives to the industry and that their voices must be heard at the international level.

Nicolas Rallo, ICAO Regional Director for Europe and the North Atlantic (EUR/NAT), underscored the importance of international cooperation and government support in strengthening the aviation workforce. He noted that Kazakhstan is a valued partner of the ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Office, which serves 56 States, and demonstrates a clear strategic vision for the development of civil aviation. This includes strengthening the industry’s professional capacity, investing in workforce training, and developing expertise in emerging areas.

Anicio Almeida, Director of Aviation Security and Facilitation at the Civil Aviation Authority of Cabo Verde, raised the challenge of retaining qualified aviation security personnel. He noted that training aviation security professionals requires substantial investment and effort, yet some subsequently move into other sectors, particularly tourism.

Concluding the discussion, Vice Minister Talgat Lastayev emphasized that developing a skilled workforce and attracting young talent remain essential to the sustainable growth of Kazakhstan’s aviation industry.

“For Kazakhstan, human capital development is one of the key priorities in civil aviation. Today, the industry employs more than 23,000 people, including over 3,500 aviation security professionals. Their expertise and professionalism are critical to maintaining high standards of aviation security,” the Vice Minister stated.

Participants agreed that the future of aviation security depends not only on adopting advanced technologies and strengthening international standards, but also on the industry’s ability to attract, develop, and retain highly qualified professionals.