The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold the fourth World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Brussels, Belgium, on 13-14 October 2026. Bringing together leaders from aviation, energy, finance, technology, academia, and government, the event will focus on the policies and actions needed to advance air transport's transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Taking place in Brussels, where many of aviation's most consequential sustainability policies are shaped, WSS will provide a unique opportunity to connect industry leaders and the policymakers responsible for designing the frameworks that will influence aviation's energy transition. The Symposium will facilitate constructive dialogue to accelerate decarbonization while preserving the economic and social benefits of air connectivity. 

The agenda will focus on three key themes critical to aviation’s decarbonization:

Scaling solutions for air transport's energy transition, with a focus on the “low-hanging fruit”, including HEFA Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and co-processing.

Designing and harmonizing policies that favor global, transparent, liquid, and competitive markets in SAF, carbon credits, and other solutions for air transport’s decarbonization. 

Advancing innovation and understanding, including emerging technologies, non-CO2 effects and sustainability throughout the aircraft lifecycle. 

The Symposium program will feature senior executives, policymakers, regulators, investors, fuel producers, and sustainability experts. Additional speakers representing airlines, energy companies, financial institutions, governments, and technology innovators will be announced in the coming weeks.

For the first time, the WSS and Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) will take place consecutively in the same venue, creating a unique week of dialogue among sustainability specialists, airline leaders, policymakers, regulators and industry experts. Participants registered for WSS will receive complimentary access to WOCE on 15 October 2026.

Together, the two events will provide a comprehensive platform to examine both the decarbonization of air transport and the broader strategic issues shaping Europe's aviation sector. Discussions will explore how sustainability, competitiveness, connectivity and economic growth can be advanced together, bringing industry and policymakers into a single conversation at a critical time for European aviation.