World Sustainability Symposium (WSS)

Brussels, Belgium
13 - 14 October
DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City

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About

As governments are now aligned with the industry’s commitment to decarbonize aviation by 2050, IATA's World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) brings together industry and governments to debate and discuss the key enablers for aviation’s successful decarbonization. The aim of WSS is to gather and support the global community of sustainability experts needed to realize aviation’s biggest challenge ever. The 2025 edition brought 500 delegates to Hong Kong (SAR), China.

This year, the WSS experience is elevated with complimentary access to Wings of Change Europe (WOCE), IATA’s leading European advocacy forum, happening in the same venue, on the following day, 15 October.  This gives  WSS delegates a unique opportunity to get access to two leading events in the heart of Europe. Learn more about WOCE.

Why should you join?

The WSS facilitates critical discussions, in seven key areas:

  • The overall strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
  • The crucial role of government and policy support
  • Effective implementation of sustainability measures
  • Financing the energy transition
  • Measuring, tracking and reporting emissions
  • Addressing non-CO2 emissions
  • The significance of value chains

Who will you meet?

The WSS brings together a diverse group of delegates representing:

  • Airlines
  • OEMs
  • ANSPs
  • Airports
  • Solution providers
  • Policy-makers and regulators
  • Banking and financial institutions
  • Researchers and thought-leaders

 

 

Help us spread the word!

Help us spread the word about this critical event. This Social Media Kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs!

World Sustainability Symposium 2025 Testimonials

 

"A key event that brings together the aviation industry’s leading stakeholders, fosters open exchange on solutions and collaboration, and strengthens the sector’s collective commitment to decarbonization."
Manuel Berger, Swissport

I immensely enjoyed attending the IATA WSS event in Hong Kong. The experience was incredibly informative and a great opportunity to connect with industry peers.
Hatem Sherif, CACC Cargolinx

Fantastic opportunity to network with Aviation Sustainability professionals!
Sophie Bellin, SCB Environmental Markets

Program

View the preliminary WSS 2026 roadmap (pdf) and the preliminary program (pdf).

Expressions of interest

 

We welcome expressions of interest from senior leaders across the aviation value chain, energy markets, risk and financial institutions (particularly those active in sustainable finance), as well as government agencies and policymakers. Speaking opportunities are limited, and proposals should demonstrate a clear and meaningful contribution to the WSS agenda.

If you believe your expertise aligns with the themes of the symposium, please complete this form to register your interest in speaking.

For organizations wishing to promote products or services, please refer to our Sponsorship tab.

Please note that we receive a high volume of speaker enquiries and will contact only those whose proposals best align with the event’s objectives

Registration

Please contact us for any questions you may have at wss@iata.org 

registration type  Regular Rate

IATA Member Airline

  $760.00  
IATA Strategic Partner

  $1,790.00  

  Regulator/Government  

  $1,895.00  

Airport

  $1,895.00  

  General Public/Aviation Service Provider/Manufacturer  

  $2,106.00  

** Rates excluding VAT.

This year, your WSS experience is elevated with complimentary access to Wings of Change Europe (WOCE), IATA’s leading European advocacy forum, happening in the same venue, on the following day, 15 October. > Learn more about WOCE

Why should you join WSS 2026?

 

 

Brussels, Belgium

 

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Brussels stands as a beacon of history, culture, and connectivity, making it an ideal destination for global aviation gatherings. With Brussels Airport serving as a primary gateway, the city offers seamless access to its rich blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. 

Renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and the European Union headquarters, Brussels provides a sophisticated and inspiring backdrop for conferences and networking events. The city's state-of-the-art infrastructure, combined with its deep historical roots, offers an unmatched environment for business engagements and collaborative ventures, where tradition and innovation come together to create unforgettable moments of connection and progress. 

 

 

Event Venue

 

The DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City overlooks Place Rogier and the Botanical Gardens, within walking distance of Brussels' main shopping streets, top attractions, restaurants, and businesses. Brussels-North railway station is four minutes away, and we're 15 minutes from the airport by direct train.  

Set within 100 meters (328 feet) from Rue Neuve shopping street and also 15-minute walk from Grand Place, the eco-friendly modern and art deco-era styling the hotel offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi access, an on-site restaurant and a fitness center. The air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a television, parquet floors and blackout curtains. Featuring high ceilings, each room also includes coffee and tea facilities, as well as a small fridge. At DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, guests can work out in the fitness center or relax in the sauna, which are both free of charge and open 24 hours a day. 

 

 

Visa Requirements 

 

The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements. 

Before your travel

Please ensure you check your visa requirements as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your visa application. 

For guidance on visa requirements and further information, you should consult the IATA Travel Centre. 

IATA is providing a visa invitation letter but cannot guarantee your visa issuance. In case you need it, answer “Yes" to the visa letter question during your registration: you will have to enter all the requested details for the letter to be generated. Note that it is mandatory to be fully registered to the World Sustainability Symposium to get it. 

Arrival to Brussels

Getting from the airport to the venue

 

  • The WSS 2026 will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, it is a 30-to-40-minute drive from the Brussels Airport and a one hour ride from Brussels South Charleroi Airport. 
  • Brussels Airport:  
    • Taxis are available right outside the arrivals hall, the official taxis have a blue and yellow logo and a T in the license plate.  
    • There are other options such as trains or buses.
    • For more information check the official website of Brussels Airport.
  • Brussels South Charleroi Airport
    • Taxis are available.
    • There are other options such as bus lines to the Charleroi Central station or car sharing.
    • For more information check the official website of Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Accommodation

 

For the convenience and comfort of our attendees, we have negotiated preferential room rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, the event's official venue. Booking of the rooms with the special rates is available for all duly registered and confirmed attendees. We strongly encourage you to secure your hotel bookings at your earliest convenience.  

Getting around the city

 

  • Public transport might be very convenient in the city centre of Brussels, there are metro, tram, bus, train and waterbusOn the website of the City of Brussels, there are information on maps and tickets.
  • Uber, Bolt and Heetch are also available.

 

While in Brussels

Emergency contacts

 

  • Red Cross: 105 
  • European emergency call: 112 
  • Fire brigades and ambulance: 100 
  • Federal police: 101  

Currency

 

  • The currency in Belgium is the Euro €.
  • In Belgium all consumer-facing companies must offer at least one electronic mean of payment, cash must also be always accepted.

Local customs in Brussels

 

  • Brussels is a very cosmopolitan city so locals are used to encountering people from many different cultures and are usually open-minded and friendly. 
  • In order to behave appropriately and appreciate the differences of culture in Brussels, it pays to learn a few of the customs while travelling. These include things such as tipping, small talk, language and things you will see on the street. 
  • We kindly invite you to learn further details by visiting this website.

Weather 

 

Brussels is in the temperate oceanic climate zone. In October, it rains on around 17–18 days, the average minimum temperature is about 9°C (48°F), and the average maximum is around 15°C (59°F).

Power plug 

 

Power plug types in Brussels are C and E.The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. 

Useful apps while in the city 

 

Floya app: this application is useful to plan, book and pay for transport in the city. 

Smoking regulations

 

Smoking indoor in public spaces is forbidden; outdoor it is banned near schools and crèches, hospitals, sports grounds and amusement parks.

While at the event

  • Dress code: The dress code for the event is business casual. 
  • Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi available in the venue. 
 

Like, share, interact

Help us spread the excitement about the event by using the official hashtag #IATAWSS. 

Don't forget to like, share, and interact with our posts. Let's connect and make the event experience memorable together!

X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Flickr | YouTube

Help us spread the word!

Help us spread the word about this critical event. This Social Media Kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs! 

Sponsorship/Exhibition 

Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts. For information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the World Sustainability Symposium, please complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch.

 



 

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Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Media Partner

 

Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge

IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation, and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.

 

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