December 7 – International Civil Aviation Day
In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly declared December 7 the International Civil Aviation Day.
This date is important because on that day in 1944, the Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as Chicago Convention) was signed. This day was introduced as a noteworthy date two years before the UN by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on December 7, 1994, when the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention was celebrated. Thus, this important international aviation organization paid tribute to its creation because, among other things, one of the provisions of the convention signed in Chicago was the establishment of ICAO.
Diplomats from 54 countries at a meeting in Chicago in 1944, photo: ICAO
The purpose of marking this day is to recognize the importance of aviation, especially international air transport, for the social and economic development of the whole world. Recalling the objectives of this convention, it helps to create and raise worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation for the social and economic development of states, as well as ICAO’s unique role in assisting states to cooperate and create a global network of rapid transit for all mankind.
As the United Nations adopts the 2030 Agenda and enters a new era of global sustainable development, the foundations of the Chicago Convention and international flights are becoming an even stronger driver of global peace and prosperity.
ICAO theme for celebration of December 7
Every five years, coinciding with the anniversaries of ICAO (2014, 2019, 2024, 2029…), the ICAO Council establishes a special jubilee theme for the International Civil Aviation Day. The theme of the last anniversary of ICAO in 2019 was called “75 Years of Connecting the World”. It was chosen to draw attention to the fact that secure and fast connectivity is the basic capability of the global aviation network and the key value of the offer from which all other international advantages of aviation arise – commercial, cultural or personal.
Source: avioportal.me
