For the first time ever and understandably so, ICAO conducted the Regional Aviation Security Coordination Forum – Asia Pacific virtually due to the travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic. The objective of the Forum, which was held from 1-2 December 2020, was to address aviation security (AVSEC) matters on behalf of the annual Asia and Pacific Director Generals of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference.
Despite the absence of physical presence for in-person interactions where APAC aviation security authorities come together to discuss and share aviation security-related matters, this year’s virtual Forum had a high number (97) of registered participants, representing 25 States and 6 International Organizations.
Aside from taking the opportunity to provide the participants with ICAO’s latest AVSEC developments which included cybersecurity and activities to promote 2021 as the Year of Security Culture, the Forum discussed and shared practices in addressing the challenges faced in the recovery and restart of AVSEC operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) and the APAC Implementation Roadmap were also reinforced to ensure aviation security remains a top priority, particularly during this fragile aviation period where any successful act of unlawful interference will have a more significant negative impact on the industry.
