Asia Pacific nations committed to a landmark shift towards sustainable aviation, enhanced safety and technological innovation in a unanimous declaration adopted at a high-level Ministerial conference in New Delhi. The Delhi Declaration, shared below, was endorsed by 29 countries and sets ambitious targets for the future of air travel in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.The Second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference was organized by ICAO APAC Regional Office and hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India in New Delhi, India from 11 to 12 September 2024. This significant event brought together a total of 234 participants, including 12 Ministers and 8 Vice Ministers responsible for civil aviation, 24 Directors General of Civil Aviation and representatives from 8 Internationals Organizations attended the conference.
Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation of India H.E. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu was elected Chairperson of the conference while Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji Mr. Viliame Rogoibuli Gavoka was elected as Vice Chairperson of the Conference.
In their welcome remarks the Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation, India and ICAO President of Council Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano both shared common view on need of collective commitment from all stakeholders for the overall development of civil aviation sector.
The conference culminated in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2024, which was unanimously agreed by all APAC States, captures ten key elements for healthy growth and sustainable development of the civil aviation sector in the region by embracing the spirit of regional cooperation. While proclaiming the Delhi Declaration 2024, the Honorable Prime Minister of India H.E. Narendra Modi underlined the role of civil aviation for the national, regional and global economic development and prosperity and appreciated the role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for development of international civil aviation.
Key outcomes of the conference included:
- Commitment to sustainable aviation on reducing the environmental impact of air travel,
- Enhanced Safety and security by supporting the implementation of ICAO’s global plans for safety, air navigation, and aviation security,
- Accelerating the adoption of new technologies to enhance safety and efficiency,
- Highlighting the need for investing in infrastructure to support sustainable growth and emerging aviation concepts, and
- Promoting gender equality across the levels of the aviation sector.
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation continues to be a pivotal platform for fostering regional cooperation, addressing common challenges, and leveraging opportunities in the rapidly growing aviation market of Asia-pacific region. The initiative, which began with the first conference in Beijing, China, in 2018, has established a framework for on going collaboration and set the stage for future ministerial conferences.
The conference reflected the region’s determination to lead in aviation advancements while addressing global concerns, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for civil aviation. The outcomes will significantly shape ICAO’s work programme and will inform discussions at the upcoming 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in 2025, where global aviation policies will be refined and adopted.
Asia Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Civil Aviation (Delhi Declaration)