ICAO closer to increasing membership on ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission

On 1 August 2024, the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea deposited instruments of ratification to the Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 50(a)] and to the Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 56], both signed at Montréal on 6 October 2016.

In doing so, they respectively became the 99th and 100th ICAO Member States to ratify these Protocols. To enter into force, these Protocols each require 128 ratifications.

The Protocol of Amendment to Article 50(a) provides for an increase in the size of the Council from thirty-six members to forty, while the Protocol of Amendment to Article 56 provides for an increase in the membership of the Air Navigation Commission from nineteen to twenty-one. By Assembly Resolutions A39-5 and A39-7, respectively, the ICAO Assembly recommends to all States to ratify most urgently these Protocols.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating: "The 100th ratification of these crucial protocols marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more inclusive and representative global aviation governance. As we navigate through unprecedented changes in air transport, expanding the Council and the Air Navigation Commission is essential. These expansions will enhance the diversity of voices and expertise guiding our industry's future. I strongly urge all remaining Member States to expedite their ratification processes, ensuring that ICAO's key decision-making bodies truly reflect the global nature of aviation in this rapidly evolving landscape."

Mr. Antonios Lemesianos, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada and Alternate Representative of Cyprus to ICAO, was present at the deposit ceremony for Cyprus.

Mr. Estanislao Esono Anguesomo, Representative of Equatorial Guinea on the ICAO Council, and other Representatives of African States to ICAO were present at the deposit ceremony for Equatorial Guinea.

The Secretary General presided over both deposit ceremonies. Mr. Chunyu Ding, Deputy Director of ICAO’s Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, also attended the ceremonies.