The 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly concluded, granting the Organization a decisive and comprehensive mandate to transform the future of global air transport.
Member States, representing a record 192 nations, adopted landmark resolutions focusing on eliminating aviation fatalities, achieving net-zero carbon emissions, and ensuring all countries benefit from the growth of air services.
The decisions taken during the two-week session, attended by nearly 3,000 delegates, confirmed ICAO’s crucial role in leading international cooperation across the entire air transport value chain.
“Let this Assembly be remembered as one that set us firmly on track to transform global aviation for generations to come. Let it be remembered as one where global ambition becomes global action,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in his closing remarks.
The Assembly’s resolutions strengthen global frameworks for safety and security and establish the foundations for universal access to air transport. The three core strategic priorities adopted include:
Safety & Security: Eliminating fatalities through the strengthening of global safety standards and security protocols.
Sustainability: Achieving the long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international aviation.
Global Equity: Ensuring that no country is left behind as air services grow, particularly by providing targeted support and resources to emerging economies.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the feasibility of these goals, stating, “Aviation’s transition to a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation system is achievable. The decisions you have taken here will guide aviation for decades, with a positive impact that will benefit all nations and people.”
To support this ambitious mission, Member States underscored the importance of providing ICAO with the necessary resources.
A key financial milestone was the inaugural High-Level Resource Mobilization Event, which secured exemplary commitments from numerous governments and industry leaders, including Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nigeria, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and industry partners Airbus and Boeing.
Furthermore, the Assembly approved the ICAO Budget for the upcoming 2026–2028 triennium and endorsed the creation of a transitional and exceptional Strategic Fund. Financed through voluntary contributions, this Fund will address remaining funding gaps to accelerate the implementation of priority activities under the ICAO Business Plan.
The Assembly also completed the election of its new 36-member Council, the governing body of ICAO responsible to the Assembly for a three-year term.
With unprecedented engagement and a clear path forward, the 42nd Session of the Assembly has given ICAO a strong and critically important mandate to guide global aviation towards a new era of safe, secure, and sustainable international air transport for all.
