IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts with Technology & Innovation

06 March 2025 (Geneva) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on digitalization, sustainability and safety/security as the key issues in helping the global air cargo industry as it adapts to unfolding geopolitical shifts.

"Air cargo demonstrated its resilience in adapting to the post-pandemic world. In 2024, more cargo was transported by air than ever before. But the world is moving at an even faster pace with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and changing customer needs. At WCS in Dubai, we’ll collectively take stock of what’s next for air cargo, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, safety/security, and e-commerce. The growing demand for air cargo underscores its critical role," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

WCS is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 15 to 17 April hosted by Emirates SkyCargo and dnata. It is the second time the WCS is hosted in the United Arab Emirates, with the first in 2017.

"With its strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure, Dubai is a natural choice for the 2025 IATA World Cargo Symposium. As this year’s host airline, Emirates SkyCargo is set to showcase its expanding capabilities and commitment to driving efficiency, innovation, and connectivity across the air cargo industry. The symposium will be a key platform to shape the future of air cargo and align on the best strategies for growth," said Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo.

“We’re proud to welcome industry leaders to Dubai, home to our first and largest operations, at a time of incredible growth and transformation in the cargo sector. With safety, innovation and sustainability at the core of our business, the IATA World Cargo Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore new solutions. We look forward to connecting with our partners and stakeholders to enhance both operational and environmental efficiency, driving meaningful progress across the industry”, said Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, dnata’s CEO - Airport Operations.

Speakers & Sessions 

Walsh along with Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo will be speaking at the event along with:

• Badr Abbas, Division Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo
• Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO - Airport Operations, dnata
• Andres Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, LATAM Cargo and IATA Cargo Advisory Council Chair
• Gabriela Hiitola, SVP, Finnair Cargo
• Dr. Ludwig Hausmann, Senior Partner and Leader of the Logistics Sector in Europe, McKinsey & Company
• Tom Owen, Head of Cargo, Cathay Cargo

The symposium will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks, workshops, and executive summits, addressing:

• Digitalization: The role of AI and automation in the future of air cargo.
• Sustainability: Strategies for decarbonization, reducing single-use plastics and ESG reporting.
• Risk & Resilience: Navigating geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and supply chain disruptions.

Workshops

The WCS program will be complemented by a series of workshops, including:

• Building the next generation of talent at the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES)
• The benefits of competency-based training through IATA’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) and how it helps to improve workplace safety and performance.
• Improving performance on key market segments using IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators CEIV programs (CEIV Pharma, CEIV Live Animals, CEIV Lithium Batteries and CEIV Fresh).
• How IATA’s Cargo Solutions are assisting the industry in decision making and cargo compliance, towards improving safety and efficiency. 
• The E-Commerce Forum will identify how more visibility between e-retailers and cargo operators would improve efficiency.
• The ULD Forum will focus on ULD Design, opportunities for AI, and how ULDs can collect and report sustainability-related data.

WCS is open to accredited members of the press.