The Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI) took part in the Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026 (GAGS 2026), held in Luanda, Angola, from 21 to 23 July under the theme Advancing Aviation Through the Empowerment of Women. The summit brought together ICAO Member States, international organizations, industry leaders, regulators, and representatives from across the global aviation community.
Representing ACVFFI, Pilar Vera addressed the international audience to share the perspective of air crash victims and their families, a voice that is too often absent from aviation discussions despite being directly affected by the consequences of accidents.
In her speech, Pilar Vera reflected on how many women within victims’ organizations have transformed personal tragedy into a lifelong commitment to improving aviation safety, prevention, and assistance for victims and their families.
She emphasized that the Federation’s work is driven not by professional ambitions or financial incentives, but by the memory of loved ones lost in air accidents and by a shared determination to help prevent others from experiencing the same suffering.
Addressing a summit dedicated to women’s empowerment, Pilar Vera highlighted the transformative role women can play in aviation leadership. She stressed that when women unite around a common purpose, their collective commitment can become a powerful force for change.
She also reminded participants that every improvement in aviation safety has a human story behind it and called for continued efforts to ensure that victims and families remain visible long after public attention has faded.
The participation of ACVFFI in the Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026 further strengthens the Federation’s longstanding collaboration with ICAO and its commitment to promoting prevention, family assistance, and a more empathetic approach to aviation worldwide.
Watch and share the video
The full speech is now available on ACVFFI’s YouTube channel.
At just six minutes long, it is a brief and accessible message. By sharing the video, you can help make the voices of victims and families more visible within the aviation community. Every view, every share, and every conversation contributes to raising awareness of the importance of prevention, assistance, empathy, and remembrance.
Because behind every improvement in aviation safety, there are people whose stories should never be forgotten.
