Worldwide Leadership Pushing for Emissions Reduction

December 7, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of signing the Convention on International Civil Aviation, forming ICAO. Now, worldwide leadership is stepping up to continue the push for a greener future in aviation.

ICAO was established in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly growth of civil aviation around the world. It is made up of a sovereign body, the Assembly, and a governing body, the Council. Over the past eight decades, ICAO has expanded from 54 nations to a membership of 193.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, ICAO hosted an event on December 4 and 5 at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. This was formerly known as the Stevens Hotel, where the Convention was signed and ICAO came to life. The session was held under the theme of “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years.” It included panels with state, industry, and national leadership to discuss aviation’s growth, challenges, and opportunities.

“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,” the organization stated.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, was quick to both congratulate the ICAO and urge it to act on the climate crisis. He explained that, while ICAO has made progress on constructing plans to address aviation emissions, the organization will need to begin making material efforts before irreparable damage is done. 

ICAO is currently working to implement its new Long-Term Strategic Plan, putting a focus on global concrete emissions reduction rather than environmental protection and offsets. It hopes to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

Guterres expressed that ICAO will need to dedicate itself to drawing in sustainable innovations and altering fuel standards to see a significant payoff.

“Turning these goals into reality will require rapid action,” Guterres commented. “Today, as we commemorate your milestone anniversary, let us recommit to a safe, sustainable and prosperous aviation sector for all humanity.”

FMI: www.icao.int