As a specialized agency of the United Nations, at ICAO we are proviging support to our 193 Member States as they work together to share the skies safely, securely, and sustainably. Since we were established in 1944, ICAO has supported the development of a global aviation network that connects people, cultures, and economies—promoting progress and prosperity wherever aircraft fly. With aviation entering a new era of digital transformation and emerging technologies, our role is more important than ever. Through the ICAO Explained article series, we are going to take a closer look at how ICAO supports international cooperation, sets global standards, and helps countries navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of flight.
From international standards to air navigation, and from aviation safety and security to economic development and environmental action—ICAO’s work touches nearly every aspect of global civil aviation. But what does that actually mean for the world? And how can we make it easier to understand? This is the idea behind ICAO Explained—this series we’re building with videos and articles that break down the complex work of ICAO in a clear, engaging way.
🎬 The video series: a visual journey
The ICAO Explained video series takes viewers on a dynamic, visual journey into key areas of ICAO’s work. These short videos are designed for a general audience, blending storytelling and animation to highlight why aviation matters—and how ICAO supports the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of air travel across the globe.
From ICAO’s origins after World War II to today’s efforts to decarbonize aviation, each episode offers a high-level look at the big picture—capturing ICAO’s multilateral mission and how 193 countries work together through this framework.
📘 The article series: going deeper
While the videos offer a compelling introduction, our ICAO Explained article series will provide insights for those who want to learn more. We’re going to share articles that offer additional context, links to ICAO’s work programmes, and real-world examples of how international cooperation through ICAO helps shape the future of aviation.
The articles are designed to complement the videos—not repeat them. They give readers a better sense of the policies, programmes, and partnerships that make ICAO’s work possible, and explain how global decisions translate into national action.
✈️ One goal, two formats
Whether you watch the videos or read the articles (we hope you will find time for both), the goal of ICAO Explained is this: to make the work of ICAO more understandable to more people. By helping audiences see the value of international aviation cooperation, we hope to build greater awareness of how ICAO supports progress and civil aviation, and our work to ensure no country is left behind.
Check out the latest episodes and articles in the ICAO Explained series, and join us as we unpack the story of international civil aviation—one topic at a time.
