"The world is watching, and future generations will live with the legacy we create here," Sciacchitano told the more than 3,000 registered delegates gathered in Montréal. "A system currently built to serve 4.6 billion passengers will not accommodate three times that number, unless we ensure its transformation."
Referring to the organization’s strategic plan for air transport, the Council President declared that "Through cooperation and consensus, zero fatalities is achievable, net-zero carbon emissions is achievable, and inclusive growth is achievable".
He highlighted particular challenges around infrastructure gaps in developing nations, warning that "if these gaps are not addressed, growth will end up deepening differences, instead of reducing them."
Mr. Sciacchitano urged the delegates to give ICAO a clear mandate to intervene decisively. “This Assembly must create constructive dialogue and adopt resolutions that allow ICAO to act. Our legacy will be measured by the decisions we make.”
The opening ceremony’s guests of honour were the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons of Canada, Honourable Steven MacKinnon; the Minister of International Relations and la Francophonie of Québec Mr. Christopher Skeete; and Ms. Ericka Alneus, member of the Executive Committee of the City of Montréal.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar also addressed the delegates, highlighting that “this year’s Assembly serves as a crucial moment to shape the state of global aviation and drive real change for the benefit of all nations and people. ICAO is uniting the global aviation community around a shared commitment to a safe, secure and sustainable global aviation system that connects the world.”
The Assembly comes at a crucial time as aviation addresses emerging technologies like drones and commercial space flights, which are crucial to aviation’s transformation as it works to meet ICAO’s ambitious environmental and safety targets.
Taking place from 23 September to 3 October 2025, all of ICAO’s 193 Member States have been invited to attend the event, where they will pass decisive resolutions in support of the progress towards the organization’s strategic vision.
Tags: Salvatore Sciacchitano, ICAO
