The 5th edition of AVSEC Global Symposium started on October 3 in Dubai with the participation of local and international government officials, globally-recognised security experts, policymakers and high-calibre professionals from the aviation security industry. Organised by Emirates Group Security, the three-day (Oct3-5) Symposium will witness 35 speakers and over 700 delegates from more than 50 countries coming together and sharing their expertise about the field.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, launched the AVSEC 2021 in the presence of Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO); Robert Courts, United Kingdom Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department of Transport; Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Cherubin Okende, Minister of Transport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and other embassy officials and dignitaries from various countries.

This year's AVSEC focuses on ICAO's 'Year of Security Culture' with the aim of holistically promoting security across various areas of aviation operations at a time when the industry is recovering from repercussions of COVID-19. The event will see 38 engaging sessions and workshops throughout the three days. These sessions and workshops will discuss various factors related to aviation security, including environment security, management of fraud risk, wildlife trafficking, innovation in law enforcement, cargo and K9 security, among other factors.

Addressing the keynote speech, Juan Salazar talked about the various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learned during the fight against the crisis. The pandemic helped various sectors in developing their systems to evolve and secure operations under challenging circumstances. Salazar further expressed delight in ICAO's service as a nexus of strategic global partnerships, effective governance and industry cooperation to support recovery efforts.

"As operators continue to recover from its impact, we have been presented with another opportunity to rethink our approach and update our strategies, and above all to stay flexible and responsive as international air transport recovers to redefine itself as threats continue to evolve," the ICAO Secretary General added.

Robert Courts stated that the COVID-19 provided an opportunity to various sectors to work together and enhance international cooperation to maintain safety in the skies.

"Security Culture has remained a common theme this year, and without doubt, it amplifies and complements existing security measures and underpins everything we do," Courts added.

Dr Abdullah Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Security (EGS), hailed the AVSEC Global Symposium as a synonym to knowledge sharing, inspiring new ideas and connecting minds across the industry. He also commended the partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai and other leading aviation organisations that will help in ensuring the event remains insightful and impactful even during the ongoing circumstances.

"Disruptive thinkers and decision-makers from around the globe come together with a unanimous goal of learning, sharing experiences and improving practices as a whole," Al Hashimi said.

The gala dinner at the event will also feature the Excellence Awards to celebrate people who have showcased outstanding performance in their roles and organisations for their relevant contributions and advancements in the aviation security industry. In addition, there will be 12 diverse workshops focusing on cybersecurity, future of AI, risk management on the last day of the Symposium. The event has also organised a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai for delegates to provide a round off their Dubai experience.

Taking place since 2013, the AVSEC Global Symposium is one of the most important aviation security events in the region. It is one of the biggest international events to witness the participation of influential leaders, elite thinkers, security solution innovators, and world-renowned experts coming together to explore the latest developments in the field.

This year's AVSEC Symposium has extended necessary support by offering all-expense paid packages to professionals and industry leaders from developing countries to allow them to participate, learn, benefit, and network during the Symposium. It further supports the ICAO's philosophy of 'No Country Left Behind'.

WAM