Civil Aviation Day: ICAO advocates for safe and sustainable air transport for all

As the world is set for the International Civil Aviation Day on Sunday, December 7, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has disclosed its plan of Air transport for everyone by 2050, with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions.

The 2025 International Civil Aviation Day is focusing on “Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future for All.”

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.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 International Civil Aviation Day,  ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, said aviation continues to offer the promise of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

According to him, 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.

Salvatore Sciacchitano posited that the achievement of this ICAO’s vision for this transformation clear: safer skies and a sustainable future for all, 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.

“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,” said ICAO Council President.

In his r2025 International Civil Aviation Day statement, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said Air transport for everyone by 2050, with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions is ICAO’s vision for the future of aviation.

According to ICAO Secretary General, 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.

Juan Carlos Salazar noted that 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,” said Juan Carlos Salazar.