The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations in China, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) have co-hosted a reception to mark the 80th anniversary of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. 

The event took place on 6 December 2024, at the UN Compound in Beijing, bringing together representatives from Asia Pacific Embassies, Chinese Senior Officials, and aviation industry leaders.

The celebration, themed "Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years," served as a platform to address both regional and global aviation objectives. As the Asia Pacific region prepares for air traffic to triple over the next 25 years, the anniversary set the stage for enhanced international collaboration on critical aviation challenges.

"This historic milestone provides an opportunity to strengthen the partnerships needed to address our sector's most pressing challenges," said ICAO's Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Mr. Tao Ma. "From managing increased air traffic to reducing aviation's environmental footprint, the solutions we develop in Asia Pacific will have global implications for aviation's sustainable future."

“Great changes have taken place in today's world, yet the purpose and principles of the Convention remain relevant and vibrant,” said Liang Nan, Deputy Administrator of CAAC, “China is ready to work together with ICAO and other member states to carry forward its purpose and principles, in an effort for a safer and more sustainable global aviation and for greater contributions to the global economic growth and well-being of mankind.”

“Aviation lies at the heart of global connectivity and acts as a key enabler of peace and prosperity,” said UN Resident Coordinator in China Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee. “We look forward to supporting the ICAO and the CAAC to collaborate in advancing sustainable aviation that is economically, socially and environmentally responsible while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The event highlighted ICAO's expanding regional presence, anchored by its Bangkok Regional Office and Beijing Sub-Office. The Beijing facility, which marked its 10th anniversary last year, has become instrumental in modernizing Air Traffic Management across Asia Pacific through its team of dedicated professionals and strong support from member States and international organizations.

Building on eight decades of international consensus and cooperation through ICAO, the anniversary celebration showcased how the aviation community plans to leverage this collaborative framework to achieve its ambitious goals for safety, sustainability, and innovation in air transport.