ICAO Council reappoints Juan Carlos Salazar as Secretary General for second term
The governing Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has unanimously agreed to extend the tenure of Juan Carlos Salazar, of Colombia, for a second three-year term as Secretary General, marking a vote of confidence in his leadership and vision.
Since assuming office on August 1, 2021, Mr. Salazar has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the ICAO Secretariat’s operations and initiatives, signaling a new chapter for this specialised agency under the United Nations umbrella.
Reflecting on the achievements during his first term, Mr. Salazar emphasised the significant strides made in enhancing organisational culture, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.
He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and guidance received from the ICAO Assembly, Council, President, Member States, aviation stakeholders, and his Secretariat colleagues.
“Marking the first phase of ICAO’s ambitious three-year transformation journey, so much has been achieved in support of our people and culture, as well as digital and operational transformation,” Mr. Salazar remarked.
“I wish to acknowledge the valuable guidance and support received throughout my first term from the ICAO Assembly, Council and its President. I would like to also express my profound appreciation to all our Member States and aviation stakeholders, and, most of all, to my Secretariat colleagues. It is through our collective efforts that we have established a strong foundation for the future,” Salazar added.
ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano lauded Mr. Salazar’s leadership, highlighting the pivotal role he plays in driving innovation amidst unprecedented challenges facing the aviation sector.
He noted that the Council’s decision to reappoint Mr. Salazar underscores its commitment to advancing ICAO’s mandate of standardisation, strategic policy formulation, and capacity building to ensure a sustainable and secure future for global aviation.
“The ICAO Council is very pleased to support Mr. Salazar as he continues his crucial work, ensuring that the Organization is able to help foster innovation across the aviation ecosystem at a time when air transport is facing unprecedented challenges,” noted ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.
“Transforming ICAO to allow the Organisation to enhance its standardization, strategic policy, and capacity building activities is critical to ensuring a sustainable, resilient, safe and secure future for the global aviation sector,” Sciacchitano added.
With nearly three decades of experience in aviation law, policy, and international negotiations, Mr. Salazar brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Prior to his appointment as Secretary General, he served as the Director General of Civil Aviation of Colombia at Aerocivil, a prominent civil aviation organisation overseeing over 3,100 employees.
His extensive executive and leadership background spans diverse regions across the globe.
Mr. Salazar holds master’s degrees in public administration and air and space law, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and proficiency in multiple languages including Spanish, English, French, and Arabic.
His reappointment reaffirms ICAO’s dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience within the aviation community, as it continues to navigate evolving challenges and opportunities on the global stage.
