MONTREAL, Canada – ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050 is the focus of this International Civil Aviation Day (7 December), which is taking place under the theme of “Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future for All.” The plan is directing efforts towards ICAO’s vision of air transport for all by mid-century, with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions.
The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day in 1996 to increase awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the sustainable development of Member States and build support for ICAO’s leadership in fostering safe, secure, inclusive, and environmentally responsible air transport.
ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar have issued the following statements in observance of this year’s commemorations.
2025 International Civil Aviation Day statement by ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano
Aviation continues to offer the promise of a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Flying creates opportunities and deepens understanding by bringing people together, and the new technologies, new energies, and new ideas that will transform flight over the years and decades to come are already adding new dimensions to air transport.
ICAO’s vision for this transformation clear: safer skies and a sustainable future for all. Achieving this vision will depend on the choices we make together.
Growth must include everyone. Innovation must accelerate. And responsibility for our environment must guide every step.
Progress will follow from real partnership. Governments, industry, and communities must find strength in common purpose.
Listening, adapting, and acting together will structure and drive aviation in the right direction.
We have every reason to be optimistic and open-minded: our world is dynamic, and sometimes divided, but always seeking connection.
Let us take this International Civil Aviation Day to affirm our commitment. Let us work for skies open to all, progress that is enjoyed by all, and an environmentally resilient world that is shared by all.
2025 International Civil Aviation Day statement by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar
Air transport for everyone by 2050, with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions –this is ICAO’s vision for the future of aviation.
Demand for safe, sustainable, and accessible air transport is growing, especially where it is needed most. People and businesses everywhere are seeking connection, inclusion, and opportunity.
ICAO’s vision meets the rising expectations the world has for air transport.
Our aspirations are bold, and within reach.
We are building safer skies with new technologies and smarter systems. We are advancing sustainability through cleaner energy and fresh investment. We are opening doors to seamless travel, digital innovation, and opportunity for every person, in every region.
The 32 Resolutions adopted unanimously at this year’s 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly provide an unprecedented mandate for transformation. ICAO is accelerating this momentum.
The journey ahead calls for courage and creativity. It calls for governments and the United Nations to build new partnerships across aviation, energy, finance, technology, and beyond. It calls for action that is ambitious, united, and unwavering.
This International Civil Aviation Day is our opportunity to champion these partnerships with confidence. Together, we can create a future where air transport connects and empowers everyone.
Let us move forward as one, fulfilling the promise of safer skies and a sustainable future for all.
