By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, recently participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 80th anniversary celebration marking the signing of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The event, held in Chicago, USA, brought together prominent figures including Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary-General, as well as aviation ministers and representatives from ICAO member states worldwide.
Egypt’s involvement in this significant milestone reflects its enduring and productive partnership with ICAO. As a founding member of the organization since the signing of the Chicago Convention in 1944, Egypt has long been committed to supporting the advancement of international civil aviation. Additionally, Egypt has been home to ICAO’s Middle East Regional Office in Cairo since 1953.
In his speech, El-Hefny expressed his pride in attending the 80th anniversary celebration, highlighting that the occasion marks eight decades of steadfast commitment to the safe, efficient, and sustainable growth of international aviation. He underscored ICAO’s central role in creating a global aviation system based on collaboration, safety, and uniform standards. Dr. El-Hefny also reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to ICAO’s work and its strong presence within the organization.
The Minister further emphasized ICAO’s clear vision for a safe and sustainable aviation future, a vision that aligns with Egypt’s own civil aviation strategy. This strategy aims to improve aviation safety, enhance sustainability, and build resilience within the sector.
In particular, Dr. El-Hefny drew attention to ICAO’s goal of achieving carbon-neutral aviation by 2050, through the promotion of green technologies such as electric aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and energy-efficient air traffic management systems. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to adopting sustainable aviation practices, enhancing security measures, and developing innovative solutions in line with ICAO’s international standards.
To commemorate the occasion, Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with its affiliated companies, organized a series of celebratory activities. These included distributing gifts to passengers at Cairo International Airport and launching a promotional campaign on EgyptAir aircraft and at the airport terminal. A special exhibition showcasing the history of ICAO was also set up at the airport, complemented by a promotional film highlighting the strong and longstanding relationship between Egypt and ICAO over the past 80 years.
The celebration in Chicago also featured a special session of the ICAO Council, followed by high-level interactive discussions centered around the theme, “Safe Skies for a Sustainable Future: Together for the Next 80 Years.” This theme encapsulates ICAO’s vision for the safe and sustainable development of global civil aviation.
