A high-level panel session “ICAO High-Level Dialogue on the Critical Role of Aviation in Promoting Sustainable Development in Landlocked Developing Countries” was held during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session. The session was opened by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. The session focused on the challenges and solutions in improving air connectivity for LLDCs, the integration of aviation into national development strategies, and the sharing of successful practices. Key priorities included infrastructure modernization, route network expansion, development of multimodal transport systems, and implementation of digital solutions.

Session moderator, ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Director Nicolas Rallo stressed that aviation must be fully integrated into national and regional development strategies: “For landlocked countries, aviation is not just a mode of transport - it’s a lifeline and a catalyst for tourism, healthcare, education, and economic growth. Success depends on strong partnerships between governments, donors, development banks, the private sector, and all stakeholders. Let’s turn today’s dialogue into concrete actions for a sustainable future”. Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee (CAA) - Kazakhstan Saltanat Tompiyeva delivered a presentation on “Kazakhstan’s Approach to Strengthening Aviation Partnerships and Regulatory Frameworks to Foster Connectivity.” She emphasized that aviation is a vital development artery for landlocked countries - especially for Kazakhstan, located at the heart of the Eurasian continent.

“We are focused on three key areas: investing in infrastructure and innovation, expanding international connectivity, and strengthening cooperation. Last year, Kazakhstan opened its Permanent Representation to ICAO, and this year we signed a Civil Aviation Development Master Plan through 2050. We also initiated the Eurasian Civil Aviation Conference to promote integration and improve air links between landlocked states,” Tompieva said. Proposed measures to improve connectivity included liberalization of air service agreementsэ, development of hub models and transit services (both passenger and cargo) in Central Asia, modernization of airport and air navigation infrastructure, digital traffic flow management systems, personnel training, and partnerships with international organizations (such as NGAP, training centers, and expert exchanges). Other participants included the Ambassador of Mongolia to Canada, Sarantogoo Erdenetsogt, Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Yohannes Abera, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, LLDCs and SIDS, Fatima Rabab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to ICAO, Mohammad Salem, ACI Director General Justin Erbacci and Charles Schlumberger, Global Lead for Air Transport at the World Bank.