20-22 October 2026 | Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan | Palace of Independence. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week, ICAO global event, was held in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first time. It brought together representatives of the aviation authorities of 62 States, international organizations, regional civil aviation bodies, airlines, airports and leading industry experts.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, who arrived in Kazakhstan for his first official visit to the country and Central Asia.
Hosting the Forum in Astana reflects the high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and ICAO and the international recognition of the country's achievements in aviation security. Kazakhstan is currently among the world's 20 leading States in terms of compliance with international aviation security standards, with an effective implementation rate of 95.7%, ranking first in Central Asia.
As part of the Forum, Mr. Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General. Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO, also attended the meeting. The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation in civil aviation, strengthening aviation security and advancing international cooperation. With expert support from ICAO, Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Development Master Plan to 2050 is also being developed.
On the sidelines of Aviation Security Week, the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with Ms. Lisa Setlakwe, Deputy Minister of Transport of Canada. The discussions focused on prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, including the regulation of airport operations and the development of general aviation. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership.
Ahead of the official opening, on 19 October 2026, Astana hosted a meeting of the Aviation Security Coordination Group of Central Asian and Caucasus States. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia participated, alongside Russia as an observer. Participants discussed emerging threats to civil aviation, information-sharing arrangements, preparations for ICAO audits and the implementation of the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). They also identified priorities for regional cooperation in 2027.
The ICAO Security Week 2026 programme addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing international civil aviation, including cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence, countering the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems, securing air cargo operations and managing risks associated with flights near areas of armed conflict. Particular attention was given to the adoption of innovative technologies, the training of qualified professionals and the strengthening of international cooperation.
On the first day of the forum, the United States announced its intention to provide financial support to ICAO's Aviation Security Programme. In addition, ICAO and Astana International Airport signed a Management Service Agreement.
Hosting ICAO Aviation Security Week in Kazakhstan is particularly significant in the context of preparations for the Third High-level Conference on Aviation Security (HLCAS/3), scheduled to take place in Montreal in 2027. The forum concluded on 22 October with a closing session entitled “Messages from Astana”.
Holding ICAO Security Week in Astana contributes to strengthening Kazakhstan's international standing and reaffirms the country's active role in advancing the global aviation security system and international cooperation in civil aviation.
