Plan Inclusive Events: A Guide for Attendee Engagement
Creating inclusive events isn’t optional—it’s essential. It starts with weaving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into every stage of planning. This means ensuring diverse speaker lineups, collaborating with minority-owned businesses, and embracing accessible registration and scheduling considerations. Thoughtful planning allows all attendees to feel valued, respected, and engaged.
From forming diverse planning committees to selecting inclusive host cities, every detail counts. Visual representation, meaningful partnerships, and acknowledgement of cultural differences create a welcoming space for all. Intentionality is key—true inclusivity isn’t a checklist but a commitment to fostering belonging and meaningful engagement.
Zambia's UN Tourism Summit 2025: Sustainability, Investment & Connectivity
Zambia will host the second UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit in Livingstone from April 8th to 10th, 2025. Organized in partnership with UN Tourism and Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the summit will gather Ministers of Tourism, government officials, and private sector leaders from both continents. The discussions will focus on strengthening air connectivity, building industry resilience, attracting investment, and advancing education to support sustainable growth.
For African event planners, this summit offers a platform to connect with key decision-makers shaping the future of tourism. Investment and sustainability will take center stage, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and business growth within the meetings and events industry. With a focus on regional integration and economic development, the event could pave the way for new projects and partnerships, reinforcing Africa’s role in the global tourism sector. Livingstone is set to be a vital hub for shaping the future of travel and events in 2025.
Global Aviation Summit: Pledges for Sustainable Air Travel
The ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 set a new benchmark with record attendance and impactful commitments to sustainable aviation. Hosted in Montréal and Abu Dhabi, the event gathered 32 Senior Ministerial Officials and over 1,500 participants from 108 nations, reaffirming aviation's role in global economic and social development. The symposium focused on achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, eliminating fatalities, and enhancing international connectivity. Discussions spanned AI-powered aviation, sustainable fuel production, and financial mechanisms to support aviation's green transition.
Key milestones included the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), securing $1M for aviation development awards, and obtaining new training commitments from global partners. Morocco was announced as the host of GISS 2026, ensuring continued global collaboration. This symposium reinforced the industry’s commitment to sustainable air travel, emphasizing investment, innovation, and capacity building to support all nations in aviation’s evolving landscape.