Singapore’s Statement at the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly

President of the Assembly,

President of the ICAO Council, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano,

Secretary General of the ICAO, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar,

Distinguished Delegates,

CHARTING THE FUTURE OF AVIATION TOGETHER 

1.     We gather today under bluer skies than before. Air travel has recovered strongly from the pandemic. Over the next 25 years, passenger numbers are expected to triple. This means more good jobs, economic growth and a more connected world.  

2.    But even under blue skies, turbulence remains. We face greater uncertainty – geopolitical tensions, supply chain shifts, disruptive technologies and the threat of climate change. 

3.     How should we respond? Let me offer three suggestions. 

4.     First, we must invest early, both in infrastructure and in people. Pilots, air traffic controllers and engineers take years to train. Airports and air navigation systems take even longer to build. Transport projects are often the most long-term and capital-intensive investments made by countries. But these can reap tremendous benefits if we succeed. 

5.     Second, collaboration is key. Many of the issues facing aviation cannot be addressed by a single state alone. This includes working towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, tackling threats like Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, or ensuring the safe and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics at scale. We must also collaborate in training, so that workers meet common standards and have the right training to operate global systems. 

6.     Third, we must defend the rules-based global order and support the work of the ICAO. We are here to work with each other to chart the future of aviation. I commend the work of the Council President, Secretary General and Council Members for the ICAO 2026-2050 Strategic Plan, which Singapore supports. This is a clear, focused plan that provides the vision and structure for the transformation of global aviation. 

7.     Singapore is honored to stand with fellow ICAO Member States and stakeholders to collaborate on these efforts. For a small island state like us, aviation is existential. This year, Singapore turns 60. We are grateful to the many States that have supported us in our journey of development. We are committed to paying it forward, including through training and knowledge sharing.  We are fully committed to working with ICAO and Member States to translate this vision into actions in the coming years.  

Singapore Delegation at the 42nd Assembly of the ICAO

Permanent Secretary for Transport Mr Lau Peet Meng and Director-General Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Mr Han Kok Juan at the 42nd Assembly of the ICAO

Asia Pacific Reception at the 42nd Assembly of the ICAO