The United Nations(UN)’s International Civil Aviation Day(ICAD) is annually observed across the globe on December 7th to create awareness about the importance of international civil aviation towards the social and economic development of the states and its importance in creating a globally transit network.
The theme of ICAD 2021 is “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
ICAD theme:
i.Every 5 years, coinciding with the anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) (2014, 2019, 2024, etc) the ICAO council establishes a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day.
ii.Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period.
iii.To mark the 75th anniversary, the council selected the theme “75 Years of Connecting the World” for the 2019 celebrations and
iv.The theme of ICAD 2020 – 2023 will be “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
Background:
i.ICAO observed the first ever International Civil Aviation Day on 7th December 1994 as a part of its 50th Anniversary.
ii.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/51/33 on 6th December 1996 and proclaimed the 7th December of every year as the International Civil Aviation Day.
Why December 7th?
The day marks the signing of the International Civil Aviation Convention, also known as the Chicago Convention, on 7th December 1944, to promote peaceful global air navigation.
International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO):
i.Following the signing of the Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) was formed on 4th April 1947.
ii.In October 1947, ICAO became a specialized agency of the United Nations linked to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Key Points:
i.Annually, the International civil aviation network carries more than 4 billion people and the global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs.
ii.According to the UN, the contribution of aviation to the global economy is equivalent to the overall GDP of the United Kingdom.
iii.The aviation sector also plays a major role in maintaining the supply chain for unhindered trade and commerce between countries.
About International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO):
Secretary General– Juan Carlos Salazar
Headquarters– Montreal, Canada
