The No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative highlights ICAO’s efforts to assist States in implementing ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The main goal of this work is to help ensure that SARP implementation is better harmonized globally so that all States have access to the significant socio-economic benefits of safe and reliable air transport.

The NCLB effort also promotes ICAO’s efforts to resolve Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) brought to light through ICAO’s safety oversight audits as well as other safety, security and emissions-related objectives.

Background

In 2014, ICAO organized its first ever ICAO Council off-site strategy session. The purpose was to determine how ICAO can better communicate with and assist its Member States. One of the major points covered during these meetings was the fact that there are still large discrepancies with respect to how some States implement ICAO SARPs.

The off-site determined that ICAO should focus its activities on States with higher accident rates or security threats and review what the Organization can do to better encourage developed countries to provide more comprehensive assistance to developing countries.

It also resolved that ICAO itself should provide more direct assistance to developing countries by playing a more active coordination role between States and by helping to generate the political will needed for States to pool resources, participate in regional efforts, earmark voluntary funds and build capacity.

The NCLB initiative was endorsed to help coordinate and publicize any Organization-wide activities consistent with these priorities.