The 42nd ICAO Assembly Session Focuses on “Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
Published: Thursday, 25 September 2025 01:44
The President of the Council of the Organization, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, reiterated this key focus on September 23, 2025 during the opening ceremony of the major triennial event for international civil aviation in Montreal. The ceremony was attended by over 4,000 delegates from the Organization’s 193 Member States that comprise this specialized agency of the United Nations.
Award of the ICAO Council President's certificate to Mme, the Director General of the CCAA
In his opening address, the President of the Council revisited the numerous challenges facing global aviation, notably the need to enhance connectivity, which translates into increased traffic growth and a higher number of passengers. For this reason, he expressed the desire for perfect collaboration among nations and urged the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure within the sector. Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano also reminded all present of the necessity to achieve ICAO’s Net-Zero Carbon Emission goal by 2050, while continuing to guarantee safe and secure flights for travellers. Defining this Assembly as one for 21st-century civil aviation, he encouraged ICAO to continue its role, and the different Member States to step up efforts to limit the level of incidents and accidents, thereby continually reassuring air transport users—an undertaking that requires skill and efficiency from all actors in this sector.
During the opening ceremony, the President’s Awards were presented to certain States for the remarkable efforts accomplished in safety and security, and for the improved and effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). In this regard, Cameroon received a Certificate of Recognition in Aviation Security. Mrs.Paule Assoumou Koki, Director General of the CCAA, received this award directly from the President of ICAO.
Other points of note included the approval of the agenda, the establishment of committees and commissions, and the election of the President of the 42nd Assembly, a position which went to the Sultanate of Oman.
It should be noted that the opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries from Quebec and other high-ranking civil aviation officials from around the world.
The four Vice-Presidents of this 42nd Assembly were also elected by acclamation. Mrs. ASSOUMOU KOKI Paule, Director General of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority, was thus elected to the position of 2nd Vice-President, alongside representatives from Uruguay, Malaysia, and Iceland.
Cameroon’s Strategic Declaration
Declaration of the Cameroon High Commissioner to Canada at the assembly, H.E Philippe NGOLLE NGWESSE
The Declaration of Cameroon was also read by the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Canada, H.E. Philippe NGOLLE NGWESE. In his remarks, he reiterated Cameroon’s ambition to develop modern, competitive, and sustainable air transport in synergy with ICAO’s objectives. He highlighted the six pillars underpinning the national strategy: compliance with ICAO regulations, enhancement of safety and security, modernization of infrastructure, economic development of the air transport sector, environmental protection, and capacity building.
The remainder of the Assembly agenda includes the work of the Executive, Technical, Economic, Legal, and Administrative Committees, as well as the continuation of State declarations and the elections of Member States that will be represented on the Council of the Organization for the 2025–2028 triennium.
Translation:Mireille K GALABE/ARO-PRU
Madam, the Director General, alongside the Secretary General of ICAO and other recipients of the ICAO President's Award.
