More than 650 delegates, from over 50 countries, and 30 speakers headlined another thought-provoking and action-packed edition of the aviation security conference – AVSEC Global 2019. The symposium was officially opened earlier today by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group.

The event was attended by dignitaries and VVIPs, including H.E. Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah and H.E Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai. Senior leaders from the Emirates Group, including Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Chief Operating Officer, attended the event to highlight the importance of aviation security.

In his keynote address, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: "The aviation industry is a complex, intricate, and inter-dependent ecosystem. It involves policy makers, regulators, security and border control, airline and airport operators, and not to mention, a network of supply chain partners. Cybersecurity is a growing area of concern – no surprise there with the increasing digitisation of our industry and of our world.

"One weak link can put the whole system at risk. That is why security in aviation has always required a holistic approach. We design integrated management systems, we develop and use the latest technologies, and importantly, we look at the human factor when implementing security solutions. Trust is a fragile thing. We have to continue to earn it. I hope that through industry engagement and events like AVSEC Global 2019, we can inspire, discuss and take meaningful steps to secure aviation today and in the future."

Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), UK said: "I'm delighted to be here in Dubai to open AVSEC Global 2019. The UK is proud of its reputation as a leader in aviation security, but it is our collective effort and common capabilities that are key to tightening and sustaining security standards around the world. We look forward to working with our partners to protect and support our great aviation industry."

Among other key sessions tomorrow, 23 September, Immigration New Zealand will share, for the first time at a conference, how the March 2019 shootings in Christchurch and its aftermath was managed, and how they balanced national security priorities with the humanitarian aspects of those affected.