ICAO Marks 80 Years of Aviation Milestone at Historic Council Session
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) commemorated its 80th anniversary with an extraordinary session of its Governing Council, spotlighting the enduring impact of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention.
Signed on 7 December 1944, this landmark agreement has shaped the global civil aviation industry, fostering international cooperation and driving economic growth.
The session, held on 5 December in the Chicago Hilton (formerly Stevens Hotel), the historic venue of the 1944 diplomatic conference, brought together 36 Council members.
During the meeting, a resolution was adopted acknowledging ICAO’s significant contributions over eight decades.
The resolution also charted a path for a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive aviation sector, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a written message to the Council, lauded ICAO for its leadership in promoting environmental sustainability.
He highlighted ICAO’s alignment with the UN’s 2030 Agenda through its Long-Term Strategic Plan, which emphasises emissions reduction, environmental protection, and capacity building via the “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
Guterres expressed strong support for ICAO’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by mid-century.
The commemorative events commenced on 4 December with a reception addressed by United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
High-level delegates, including ten ministers and 50 directors-general of civil aviation from ICAO Member States, participated in the festivities.
At the extraordinary session on 5 December, ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano reflected on the foresight of the 1944 conference.
“Eighty years ago, as the Second World War still raged, 54 States came together in this very city to imagine a different future – one where aviation would serve as a bridge between nations rather than an instrument of conflict,” he remarked.
He noted that while the scale of modern aviation was unimaginable at the time, the framework created then remains adaptable and robust.
Similarly, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar underscored the anniversary’s theme, “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future.”
He reaffirmed ICAO’s commitment to safety and sustainability, stating, “We pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 – evolving aviation from a contributor to climate change into a leader in sustainable transport.”
The session concluded with a joint declaration from industry stakeholders, celebrating eight decades of progress and pledging continued collaboration towards ICAO’s strategic vision.
The afternoon featured three high-level roundtables on topics such as aviation’s role in driving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), innovation as a catalyst for sustainability, and strategies for overcoming challenges to secure aviation’s future.
These discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships to propel innovation and ensure the aviation industry’s transformation into an efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable sector.
Looking Ahead
The ICAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations not only honoured the past but also set an ambitious vision for the future of global aviation.
Through continued cooperation, technological advancements, and sustainability efforts, ICAO aims to strengthen its role as a pivotal force in global economic development and environmental stewardship.
