The United Nations(UN) International Civil Aviation Day is annually celebrated across the globe on December 7 to help create and strengthen worldwide awareness about the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of countries. The day also aims to create awareness about the role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.
International Civil Aviation Day theme for 2020-2023 is “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
About the Theme
- As per ICAO, every 5 years, the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for the day, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries (2014/2019/2024/2029/etc.),
- The council selects a single theme for the four-year period, between these anniversary years.
- The theme 2020 is valid till 2023.
Background
i.The day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO’s 50th anniversary activities where, Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known more popularly as the ‘Chicago Convention’ was signed.
ii.Following the initiative of ICAO with the assistance of the Canadian Government, in 1996 the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/51/33 to recognise December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
International Civil Aviation Day
ICAO on this day conducts several seminars, educational sessions and news announcements.
Key Info
i.The importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has been more relevant to the Chicago Convention’s objectives to look to international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity.
ii.This is because the UN and world nations have adopted Agenda 2030 and has embarked on a new era in global sustainable development
Statistics Related to Air Transport
i.The global Air Transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and USD 2.7 trillion in global economic activity.
ii.More than 10 million women and men are working in the industry. They ensure whether 120,000 flights and 12 million passengers a day are carried safely to their destinations.
iii.As per the research by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), at least 65.5 million jobs and 3.6% of global economic activity are supported by the aviation industry.
Recent Related News:
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has commenced Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020 from 23rd November to 27th November 2020 to raise awareness on Aviation Safety.
About International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Secretary General– Dr. Fang Liu (China)
HeadQuarters– Montreal, Canada
President of ICAO Council– Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano
Member States– 193(including India, which also the Council Member State)
