Every year, International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated on December 7 by the United Nations and several other international organisations to recognize the importance of aviation to the social and economic development of the world. December 7, 2024, will mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States.
For eight decades, this defining international agreement has served as the foundation for the development of the global civil aviation system to the benefit of all nations. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
As the UN and world nations have now adopted Agenda 2030, and embarked on a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant to the Chicago Convention's objectives to look to international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity.
Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries (2014/2019/2024/2029/etc.), the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period.
International Civil Aviation Day's Significance
International Civil Aviation Day is important because it fosters state collaboration and the realization of a truly global rapid transit network for the benefit of all people. The day seeks to raise awareness of international civil aviation on a global scale. The International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) special contribution to international aviation safety, efficiency, and uniformity is also recognized on this day.
News announcements, seminars, and educational sessions are just a few of the events and activities that ICAO hosts. The UN report states that over 120 million passengers travel by air every day, and the aviation sector supports nearly 65.5 million jobs, underscoring the importance of aviation in enhancing global connectivity.
Background
In 1944, delegates from 54 nations gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Stevens Hotel in Chicago at the invitation of the United States of America. At this event, the participants concluded and signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known more popularly as the ‘Chicago Convention’, the defining international agreement which has since permitted the global civil aviation system to develop peacefully and in a manner benefitting all peoples and nations of the world. International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th anniversary activities.
In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/51/33, which officially recognised December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system. The document recalled "that the preamble to the Convention states that the future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world."
Further, the General Assembly urged Governments as well as relevant national, regional, international and intergovernmental organizations to take appropriate steps to observe International Civil Aviation Day.
About International Civil Aviation Day
The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to contribute to and enhance global awareness of the importance of international civil aviation for the nation's social and economic advancement. As a service to all people, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assists states in collaborating and realizing a worldwide rapid transit network.
The International Civil Aviation Organization commemorated the Day for the first time on December 7, 1994, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
International Civil Aviation Day is observed every year, but, in contrast to other international days, its theme is chosen only once every five years. A single theme is selected for each of these anniversary years, and it lasts for the entire four-year gap between them.
The theme for the day, which was last chosen in 2019, is "Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development" through 2023. In 2024, a new theme will be chosen.
How To Observe International Civil Aviation Day?
- On this day, various events are held in countries all over the world. These include special airport tours, aviation education seminars, and air shows.
- It will be easy to celebrate because everyone is fascinated by aviation.
- Express gratitude to a pilot, flight attendant, traffic controller, or any other aviation professional you know.
- Consider taking one of the many positions in the aviation sector if you're considering a career change. And how many jobs are available in the aviation industry? Well, engineers, pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, and computer technicians only touch the surface. From the ground up, discover the world of aviation.
- Without the ability to fly, how would your life change? Write a blog post or essay to express your ideas.
- Talk about one of your favorite airfare-related travel experiences with family or friends.
- Learn about the history of aviation both domestically and internationally.
