ICAO’s 42nd Assembly delivers clear mandate for transformation of aviation

A record-breaking 192 Member States united behind ICAO’s ambitions of zero fatalities, net-zero carbon emissions, and enhanced air connectivity by 2050, with strong calls for adequate resourcing.

ICAO’s 42nd Assembly delivers clear mandate for transformation of aviation

Montréal, 3 October 2025 — The ICAO Assembly has given the Organization a clear mandate to pursue its long-term strategy for transforming air transport, with Member States adopting resolutions in support of eliminating fatalities, reducing carbon emissions to net-zero, and ensuring no country is left behind as air services grow in emerging economies.

ICAO’s 42nd Assembly closed today with a message to the global community. “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.

His remarks were delivered to representatives of a record-breaking 192 Member States, with nearly 3,000 delegates having attended the two weeks of deliberations and decision-making.

This high level of participation confirms ICAO’s singular and irreplaceable role in leading international cooperation across the entire air transport value chain. The Assembly demonstrated this through strengthening global safety and security frameworks, resounding unity on environmental action, and establishing the foundations for universal access to air transport. The decisions taken comprehensively address the opportunities and challenges facing civil aviation.

“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,” added Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

Delegates emphasized the importance of providing ICAO with the resources needed to fulfill its mission before its ambitious 2050 deadline.

The Assembly also completed the election of its new Council. The 36-member Council is the governing body of ICAO responsible to the Assembly, and is elected for a three-year term. Countries for PART I and II were elected on 27 September, and elections for PART III were held on 30 September.

A key milestone was the inaugural High-Level Resource Mobilization Event, with exemplary commitments made by 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.

The Assembly approved the ICAO Budget for the upcoming 2026–2028 triennium and called for the Organization to continue its comprehensive transparency, accountability, and efficiency reforms. It also endorsed the creation of a Strategic Fund to be financed through voluntary contributions to address remaining funding gaps. This transitional and exceptional measure will support the implementation of priority activities under the ICAO Business Plan.

Member States also encouraged further progress on ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Organization through prioritization, revenue generation, and operational improvements.

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.

Resources for Editors

42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly
ICAO Strategic Plan 2026 - 2050
 

Key Outcomes

 ICAO enhances global aviation safety and security framework
 ICAO strengthens air transport’s global framework for net-zero carbon emissions and sustainable development 
 ICAO Assembly sets foundation for universal access to air transport

About ICAO

Leading international civil aviation as a crucial driver of social and economic development, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is accelerating progress towards zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions in air transport for everyone, everywhere, in line with its Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2050. ICAO works with its 193 Member States and all air transport stakeholders to develop standards and policies for international civil aviation, and undertakes planning and capacity building activities to support their implementation by Member States.  

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Media Contact

William Raillant-Clark
Communications Officer 
wraillantclark [at] icao.int (wraillantclark[at]icao[dot]int)