FORUM: "Safe and Sustainable Flying for all." International Civil Aviation Day 2025.Every year, International Civil Aviation Day raises global awareness of the vital role aviation plays in connecting people, supporting economies, and driving sustainable development worldwide. It also underscores ICAO's leadership in fostering safe, secure, and environmentally responsible air transport for all. It's also a day to recognize the millions of professionals who keep the world flying and ensure aviation remains safe, reliable, and accessible every day. Their commitment is at the heart of safe skies and a resilient, sustainable future. On this occasion we'll learn on how icao helps the world stay connected, while being a driving force behind the safe, secure and sustainable development of global aviation. Follow the conservations with the hashtags: #Flyday, #CivilAviationDay, #7December, #AviationDevelopment, #AdvancingInnovation.
EVENT: December 7th will mark the 81st anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States. For eighty one years, this defining international agreement has served as the foundation for the development of the global civil aviation system to the benefit of all nations. While the celebration will offer the opportunity to reflect on important achievements over the last past years, more importantly it will serve as an opportunity to reflect collectively with all stakeholders on how aviation development will continue to be supported by ICAO over the coming decades. Join us in championing safe skies and a sustainable future for everyone,
PUBLICATION: As international civil aviation enters a new era marked by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, ICAO presents its comprehensive Strategic Plan for 2026-2050. With air traffic projected to reach 12.4 billion passengers by 2050, this plan guides our sector toward a more safe, secure, economically viable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable future.
Serve as an integral part of a thriving, connected, accessible, inclusive, and affordable transport system for people and goods, contributing to socio-economic development, while ensuring no country is left behind. Zero Fatalities Achieve zero fatalities in international aviation from accidents and acts of unlawful interference.
The Goals and Objectives
To lead international civil aviation as a key driver of social and economic development while enhancing aviation safety, security, economic development and environmental sustainability for a growing aviation system by advancing air law, developing policies, plans and standards, monitoring and auditing, and supporting States’ capabilities for the benefit of all nations and people.
Strategic Goals
Every Flight Is Safe and Secure. Achieve zero fatalities and ensure continuous protection for air passengers, cargo, and staff.
Aviation Is Environmentally Sustainable. Achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and mitigate aircraft noise and emissions.
Aviation Delivers Seamless, Accessible, and Reliable Mobility for All. Facilitate seamless air navigation and travel through well-coordinated and affordable services.
No Country Left Behind. Enable achievement of safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability goals through collaboration and support.
The International Civil Aviation Convention and Other Treaties, Laws and Regulations Address All Challenges. Maintain responsive international air law addressing current and emerging challenges.
The Economic Development of Air Transport Assures the Delivery of Economic Prosperity and Societal Well-Being for All.
Foster development of an economically viable aviation system delivering prosperity for all.
High Priority Enablers
ICAO Continuous Organizational Improvement
Innovation
Gender Equality and Attracting New Talent to Aviation
Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Financial Sustainability
Download Full Strategic Plan (PDF) in EN. Download Strategic Plan (Pamphlet) in EN.
FORUM: “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years.” International Civil Aviation Day 2024. December 7th will mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States. For eight decades, this defining international agreement has served as the foundation for the development of the global civil aviation system to the benefit of all nations. While the celebration will offer the opportunity to reflect on important achievements over the last eighty years, more importantly it will serve as an opportunity to reflect collectively with all stakeholders on how aviation development will continue to be supported by ICAO over the coming decades. During the 40th Session of the Assembly, Member States adopted Resolution A40-27 related to Innovation in Aviation which recognizes that innovations carry significant potential in improving aviation safety, efficiency, security, facilitation, environmental sustainability, and economic development of air transport. Innovations can also lead to more efficient and streamlined aviation regulatory processes. As the United Nations and world nations have now adopted Agenda 2030, and embarked on a new era in global sustainable development, the focus on the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant to the Chicago Convention’s objectives to look to international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity. The ICAO Assembly adopted a long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in support of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement‘s temperature goal. This is a historic agreement that reinforces the leadership of ICAO on issues relating to international aviation and climate change. Read the adopted Resolution A41-21. Follow the conservations with the hashtags: #Flyday, #CivilAviationDay, #7December, #AviationDevelopment, #AdvancingInnovation.
EVENTS: On December 7th to celebrate the International Civil Aviation Day 2024, the Council has decided that the theme will be “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years.”. in celebration of this important milestone, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has organized a unique event to take place on 4 and 5 December 2024 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, formerly The Stevens Hotel, where the Convention was adopted and the birthplace of the Organization. ICAO has planned an Extraordinary Session of its governing body, the Council, to be convened on the morning of 5 December. That session will be followed by a series of interactive and engaging High-Level roundtable discussions with representatives of States, industry, regional organizations, academia, United Nations and non-governmental organizations on the evolution of the sector, the global challenges and opportunities it faces as well as on the fundamental role of ICAO as a bridge builder for the further safe, secure, social, economic and sustainable development of air transport. Register to participate and Watch the live ceremony!
- From 9 to 12 December 2024 in Muscat, Oman, The ICAO Security Week 2024 will be held by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This event will be a unique opportunity to cover all aspects of aviation security, including aviation cybersecurity and other emerging issues. It will also be a distinctive edition as we are celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Annex 17 – Aviation Security as well as ICAO’s 80th anniversary. In the ever-evolving threat landscape of aviation, ensuring a sustainable future involves not only technological advancements but also robust security measures. Under the overarching theme "Sustainable Future of Aviation Through Security", this year's event delves into the intersection of sustainability and security within the aviation industry, exploring innovative approaches and practices that can drive progress towards a more secure conscious aviation sector. The event is open to all Member States. Attendance by senior officials is highly recommended especially for the High-level Ministerial Segment. Representatives from non-Member States and international organizations, as invited by the Council, may participate in the meeting with observer status. Member States and international organizations are encouraged to consider involving non-traditional innovators in aviation in the proceedings of the Conference. The event serves as an opportunity for decision-making authorities and aviation stakeholders to exchange information on emerging and stringent issues, to identify solutions and consolidate a culture of collaborative decision making. The event will be hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate of Oman and will be held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, Madinat Al Irfan, Airport Heights. The ICAO Security Week will be broadcast live on ICAO TV. Please ensure you sign up for ICAO TV ahead of time. Read the Draft Muscat Declaration on Aviation Security and Aviation Cybersecurity in Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian |Spanish
TRAININGS & COURSES: Aviation professionals keeping our industry safe and secure are our greatest asset. ICAO Training equip and empower current and next of generation aviation professionals with the techniques and tools to thrive in today’s challenging aviation sector. Their courses engage learners from diverse backgrounds, facilitating relationship building and collaboration across borders. To connect with the global aviation training community, visit the ICAO Aviation Training and Education Directory (ATED), an essential component of the TRAINAIR PLUS Programme.
I congratulate the International Civil Aviation Organization on the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Across the decades, your organization, which the Convention established, has expanded dramatically, from 54 nations gathered in Chicago in 1944 to a membership of 193 today.
ICAO now stands as a powerful example of multilateralism in action.
Your organization is also a reminder of aviation’s importance to our world - connecting people, supporting livelihoods, sustaining economies, and supporting humanitarian responses to emergencies, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The history of the aviation sector is also a tale of resilience and adaptability. Today, aviation faces one of its greatest challenges: addressing the climate crisis. Accounting for around 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, aviation is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize. But with innovation and investment, it can be done.
The ICAO's new Long-Term Strategic Plan points the way. The plan's emphasis on prioritizing concrete emissions reduction over offsets, environmental protection, and capacity building - particularly through the "No Country Left Behind" initiative – aligns with the 2030 Agenda. And I commend ICAO's leadership to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Turning these goals into reality will require rapid action.
Carbon pricing, low-carbon fuel standards, and subsidies for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels will be vital, as well as steering public and private investments toward technological innovation.
Today, as we commemorate your milestone anniversary, let us recommit to a safe, sustainable and prosperous aviation sector for all humanity.
Acknowledging that 7 December 2024 marks the Eightieth Anniversary of the signing in Chicago of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention); Convinced that the fundamental aims, objectives and principles of the Chicago Convention remain as relevant today as when they were conceived eighty years ago;
Recognizing that the growth of civil aviation has been made possible through the unwavering commitment and cooperation of the international community in adhering to the principle set out in the Preamble to the Chicago Convention that international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world; Determined to work to ensure that the development of safe, secure, sustainable and accessible international civil aviation will continue to promote global peace and security, social integration, economic prosperity and sustainable development for future generations;
Considering that the rapid acceleration in the growth of the aviation sector and the exponential increase in the number of passengers, as well as in the volume of cargo are expected to pose challenges for the sector, and that ICAO, in collaboration with its partners, must set ambitious goals to deliver on the promise of Safe Skies: Sustainable Future;
Affirming that through its normative work, oversight, and capacity development, and as illustrated by the successful implementation of the No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative supporting the development of air transport, ICAO facilitates international civil aviation that is safe, secure, efficient, economically sound and viable, socially and environmentally sustainable, and focussed on the passenger;
Recognizing the significant contributions that ICAO has made and must continue to make to global efforts to address the adverse environmental impacts that are related to civil aviation activity and combat climate change;
Affirming that ICAO will continue to play an essential role as a global forum for fostering consensus and multilateral cooperation among Member States and the international civil aviation community, while upholding the rules-based system on which the Organization was founded, in order to ensure that the international civil aviation legal framework remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities;
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on the occasion of this 80th Anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention:
1. Pays tribute to the leadership, vision and cooperative spirit of the signatories to the Chicago Convention and to all those who contribute to the development of international civil aviation;
2. Reiterates the need for ICAO to continue to take a leadership role in the development and support for the principles, standards, and agreements for the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation;
3. Welcomes efforts to strengthen the Organization’s ability to respond in an effective and equitable manner to the challenges facing international civil aviation, while pursuing ambitious, long-term goals, as stated in the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026–2050, aimed at supporting a safer, more secure, accessible, economically sound and viable, efficient, affordable and environmentally sustainable international civil aviation system, on the basis of equal opportunity and amidst ever-increasing global demand;
4. Pledges to continue to work together with Member States and the global civil aviation community in order to build partnerships and promote best practices that foster a more resilient, inclusive and diverse aviation sector, while ensuring that international civil aviation will continue to contribute to the achievement of the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
5. Encourages Member States and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards an environmentally sustainable, low-emissions, and energy efficient civil aviation sector, including the long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as through the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) and other aviation cleaner energies;
6. Urges Member States, the industry, international organizations, financial institutions, donors, and other stakeholders to coordinate and cooperate amongst themselves and through ICAO, to support the implementation of assistance activities to States in need, in line with established global and regional priorities, while emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies, stakeholder partnerships and multilateral mechanisms to support these efforts, consistent with ICAO Assembly Resolutions;
7. Recognizes the important role of women in the aviation sector and commits to promoting their engagement at all levels as part of an inclusive and equitable approach that fosters diversity in decision-making and management of the sector;
8. Recognizes the important role that innovation will play in the future of aviation and commits to employing and developing all available measures, as well as promoting the participation of new entrants in the sector to maximise its potential in strengthening aviation safety, efficiency, security, facilitation, affordability, and economic and environmental sustainability for the benefit of future generations;
9. Calls upon all ICAO Member States to continue to promote and adhere to the objectives and principles of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and comply fully with its provisions; and
10. Requests the Secretary General to bring this resolution to the attention of all Member States, the partner organizations of the United Nations system and all other relevant stakeholders.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and was created with the signing in Chicago, on 7 December 1944, of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. ICAO is the permanent body charged with the administration of the principles laid out in the Convention. It sets the standards for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. ICAO’s membership comprises 193 Member States. Its headquarters are in Montréal and it has regional offices in Bangkok, Cairo, Dakar, Lima, Mexico City, Nairobi and Paris. The aims and objectives of ICAO, as contained in Article 44 of the Chicago Convention, are to develop the principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster the planning and development of international air transport so as to: Ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation throughout the world;Encourage the arts of aircraft design and operation for peaceful purposes; Encourage the development of airways, airports and air navigation facilities for international civil aviation; Meet the needs of the peoples of the world for safe, regular, efficient and economical air transport; Prevent economic waste caused by unreasonable competition; Ensure that the rights of Member States are fully respected and that every Member State has a fair opportunity to operate international airlines; Avoid discrimination between Member States; Promote safety of flight in international air navigation; andPromote generally the development of all aspects of international civil aeronautics. The constitution of ICAO is the Convention on International Civil Aviation to which each ICAO Member State is a party. The Organization has a sovereign body, the Assembly, and a governing body, the Council. The chief officers are the President of the Council and the Secretary General. The Assembly, composed of representatives from all Member States, meets every three years, reviewing in detail the complete work of the Organization and setting policy for the coming years. It also decides on a triennial budget. The Council, composed of representatives from 36 States, is elected by the Assembly for a three-year term and provides continuing direction to the work of ICAO. One of the major duties of the Council is to adopt International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and to incorporate these into the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The ICAO Council is assisted by its subsidiary bodies (the Air Transport Committee, the Committee on Joint Support of Air Navigation Services, the Finance Committee, the Committee on Unlawful Interference, the Human Resources Committee and the Technical Cooperation Committee) and by the Air Navigation Commission. The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary General, has five main divisions: the Air Navigation Bureau, the Air Transport Bureau, the Technical Cooperation Bureau, the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, and the Bureau of Administration and Services. The ICAO works in close collaboration with other specialized agencies of the United Nations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The International Air Transport Association, the Airports Council International (ACI), the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, and other international organizations participate in many ICAO meeting and to celebrate the International Civil Aviation Day on December 7th.
Air tourism is important to geographic, cultural and personal discovery. It can also help restore prosperity and critical revenue streams to communities affected by the pandemic.
The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
As the UN and world nations have now adopted Agenda 2030, and embarked on a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant to the Chicago Convention’s objectives to look to international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity. The work programme and activities conducted under the Strategic Objective on Safety cross-referenced six of the 17 SDGs, showing the strong benefits of enhancing aviation safety. These areas of work included:
• capacity-building projects aimed at air cargo services to support improved and efficient movement of sensitive cargo, such as vaccinations, medications and technical equipment;
• provision of air traffic flow data for UN field operations, including Peacekeeping Operations, in case of epidemics or infectious diseases;
• development and conduct of training and instructional material in the area of safety;
• ensuring, through the No Country Left Behind initiative, that all States have access to the socio-economic benefits of a safe air transport system; and
• strengthening the implementation of safety-related SARPs by promoting existing partnerships and developing new partnerships.
• Recognizing that investments are necessary to maintain or further enhance aviation safety, ICAO developed a tool to assist States in analysing the economic benefits of safety improvement investments.
PIO: MONTRÉAL, 7 December 2011 ─ Today, we celebrate a very special birthday. On this day 67 years ago, a group of visionaries, meeting at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, signed a document that would forever change our world.
The Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944, marked the creation of ICAO. International Civil Aviation Day, an official United Nations celebration, commemorates the establishment of the Organization on that momentous day.
The theme for this year’s celebration is "Assistance and Cooperation for Globally Sustainable Air Transport".
Over the years, the fundamental principles of assistance and cooperation have given rise to a remarkably safe and efficient global air transport system that supports economic, social and cultural development throughout our global society.
Indeed, cooperation among the Member States of ICAO and with the air transport industry has led to the development of thousands of technical and operational standards, regulations and policies necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection.
Cooperation is the heart and soul of ICAO. The preamble to the Chicago Convention emphasizes that the future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world, and that it can promote that cooperation upon which the peace of the world depends.
As the global forum for all matters relating to international civil aviation, ICAO fosters the adherence to such basic principles as assistance and cooperation, so that air transport services can be developed in an orderly, efficient, economical, harmonious and sustainable manner.
ICAO will always stand ready to cooperate with and provide assistance to its Member States for the benefit of their citizens and the world community.
ICAO, with support from governments, organizations, businesses and individuals, actively promotes International Civil Aviation Day through various activities and events. This day is celebrated globally, especially in countries such as South Africa, through various activities such as seminars, published material, educational lectures, classroom activities, and news announcements on international civil aviation topics related to the day.
Public life
International Civil Aviation Day is a global observance and not a public holiday.
ICAO was established on December 7, 1944, to secure international cooperation and uniformity in civil aviation matters. The International Services Transit Agreement and the International Air Transport Agreement were also signed. In 1994 ICAO established International Civil Aviation Day by to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary.
International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 by ICAO, through Assembly Resolution A29-1, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Organization, created on 7 December 1944. In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly by resolution officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day and listed it as an official UN day. The purpose of the global celebration is to generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States, and of the role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.
This observance aims to generate and reinforce global awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development . The day also commemorates the ICAO’s role in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.
In 1996 the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day, in accordance with an ICAO initiative and with the Canadian Government’s assistance. The assembly urged governments and organizations to observe the day. This day is now an official UN day.
ICAO is a UN body that works closely with other United Nations members including the World Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the Universal Postal Union, the World Health Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
Symbols
The ICAO logo is often associated with marketing and promotional material for this event. It is similar to the UN logo in that the ICAO logo has a pair of aircraft wings superimposed on the UN logo. The UN logo features a projection of a world map (less Antarctica) centered on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The olive branches symbolize peace and the world map depicts the area of concern to the UN in achieving its main purpose, peace and security. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles.
Over the years the ICAO logo has been published in different variations. In 1995 ICAO recognized the introduction of Arabic and Chinese as the organization’s working languages and this was reflected on the logo – both languages are found in the logo to describe ICAO.
Note: Although International Civil Aviation Day became an official UN day in 1996, many people celebrated the day since 1994.
International Civil Aviation Day Observances
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY THEMES
2009 — "65 years of empowering the global community through aviation"
International Civil Aviation Day 2009 highlights ICAO's historic contribution to the global community
2008 — "Tomorrow's Aviation — a world of opportunity for skilled aviation personnel"
Careers in air transport promising as demand for skilled aviation professionals grows
2007 — "Global Air Transport — a driver of sustainable economic, social and cultural development"
2007 International Civil Aviation Day focuses on benefits of air transport around the world
2006 — "Safety and security – first and always the top priority"
2006 International Civil Aviation Day focuses on aviation safety and security to preserve growing benefits of air transport.
2005 — "The Greening of Flight — maximizing compatiblity between safe and orderly development of civil aviation and the quality of the environment"
International Civil Aviation Day calls for the greening of aviation.
2004 — "International Cooperation: Solutions to Global Aviation Challenges"
International Civil Aviation Day 2004 Celebrates Cooperation among Nations of the World.
2003 — "For 60 Years... Setting the Standards for International Civil Aviation"
International Civil Aviation Day 2003 Bridges Two Milestones in Aviation History.
2002 — "One Hundred Years of Powered, Controlled and Sustained Flight"
2001 — "Flight Between Nations - Dialogue Between Peoples"
"Flight Between Nations - Dialogue Between Peoples": The Theme for the 2001 Edition of International Civil Aviation Day.
2000 — "Implementing ICAO SARPs - the Key to Aviation Safety and Efficiency"
"Implementing SARPS - the Key to Aviation Safety and Efficiency": The Theme for the 2000 Edition of International Civil Aviation Day.
1999 — "Promoting Global Frienship and Understanding"
"Promoting Global Friendship and Understanding".
1998 — "Flying Safely into the 21st Century"
"Flying Safely into the 21st Century": The Theme for the 1998 Edition of International Civil Aviation Day.
1997 — "Enhancing Flight Safety through Global Cooperation"
"Enhancing Flight Safety Through Global Co-operation": The Theme of International Civil Aviation Day - 7 December 1997.
1996 — "Using Satellites to Make Civil Aviation Safer"
"Using Satellites to Make Civil Aviation Safer": Theme of 1996 International Civil Aviation Day.
1995 — "The Aeroplane in Our Lives"
On International Civil Aviation Day 1995, ICAO Well Placed to Meet the Needs of the Global Air transport Industry.
1994 — 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Chigago Convention
United Nations Secretary-General Will Attend ICAO's 50th Anniversary Celebrations.
