The Organization
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the regulation and development of civil aviation. It was established in 1947 following the ratification of the Chicago Convention by 52 signatory States.
ICAO promotes the development and adoption of international standards and conventions concerning air navigation, passenger and cargo transport, and aviation security.
The Member States (currently 193) meet in a General Assembly every three years (the most recent session was held in September-October 2025 in Montreal). The General Assembly is the governing body, while the executive body is the Council, composed of 36 members, which is renewed every three years by the General Assembly.
Italy is a member of the Organization’s Council and is included among the ten most advanced countries in the field of civil aviation.
ICAO is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, where jthe Secretariat, the Council, and the Technical Committees are based (Air Navigation, Air Transport, Joint Support to Air Navigation Services, Finance, Technical Cooperation, Security, Organization, Climate and Environment, Relations with the Host Country).
ICAO Activities
The Organization’s primary objective is to promote the development and ongoing modernization of civil aviation regulatory frameworks through guidelines and recommendations to Member States, with a focus on flight and passenger safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international standards.
The main Organization’s activities include, among others:
- the development of technical studies and recommendations for Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) relating to the safety, regularity, and efficiency of international air navigation;
- assistance to Member States in the implementation of technical civil aviation cooperation programs
Italy’s Participation
Italy contributes to the Organization’s regular budget in proportion to its share of United Nations funding.
The Italian Permanent Representative to the Organization is supported by a MOFA Expert, a senior official of ENAC (the Italian Civil Aviation Authority).
ENAC serves as Italy’s liaison for all technical and organizational matters and actively participates in ICAO committees and working groups through its officials.
References
- Italian diplomatic mission responsible for ICAO matters: Permanent Mission of Italy to ICAO
- Competent office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: DGAAAO-UMEFE