A significant declaration enhancing global aviation security and cyber security measures was approved during ICAO Security Week 2024 in Muscat, Oman, on 11 December 2024. Approximately 31 Ministers and high-level officials supported this vital advancement in safeguarding international civil aviation.
The Muscat Declaration, a significant outcome of vigorous advocacy and leadership by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), encourages States to enhance their efforts against both conventional and new threats, such as insider threats and cyber-attacks. It advocates for aviation security and cybersecurity to be prioritized and supported equally with other facets of civil aviation operations, highlighting the importance of risk-based and outcome-oriented policies to steer the creation of sustainable security measures.
"We cannot stand still," stated ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in his opening address to the Ministerial Segment. "We must innovate and evolve to counter both new and existing threats. This is why we have gathered here today - to reaffirm our commitment to aviation and cyber security, and to unite in protecting our critical infrastructure."
The Declaration highlights the importance of sharing information for threat assessment and prevention, developing skilled security professionals, and executing ICAO's Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy. It also encourages States to ratify the 2010 Beijing Convention and Protocol, which are essential tools for deterring and addressing attacks on civil aviation.
The Declaration advocates for increased regional collaboration through initiatives like the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa and the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme for the Middle East. These programs align with ICAO's "No Country Left Behind" objective by offering specific support and capacity-building to countries requiring assistance.
"This Declaration ensures that this meeting will be seen as a significant milestone in our aviation security journey," remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar in his closing address to the Ministerial Segment. "Together, we have reaffirmed our dedication to safeguarding our skies with determination, ambition, and unity of purpose."
The Declaration was adopted during ICAO Security Week, which was held for the first time outside of ICAO Headquarters. The Civil Aviation Authority of Oman generously hosted the event, highlighting its dedication to this priority. This commitment is also evident through its leadership of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security & Facilitation Group and its active involvement in global aviation security initiatives.
The event coincided with various organizational milestones, such as the 80th anniversary of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation's signing and the 50th anniversary of Annex 17 on Aviation Security. Throughout the week, ICAO also introduced the second edition of its Global Aviation Security Plan, aiming for States to achieve or exceed 75% Effective Implementation of aviation security Standards by 2033. The Declaration will direct the preparatory efforts for the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025, leading the evaluation of comprehensive Aviation Security policies and enhancing resolutions regarding cybersecurity.
During the event, ICAO leadership conducted several high-level bilateral meetings. ICAO Council President Sciacchitano had discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, the Qatari Minister of Transport; Capt. Zhenjiang Hu, Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); and H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, the Omani Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
Secretary General Salazar engaged in talks with David P. Pekoske, the TSA Administrator; Dr. Abdulsalam Saleh Hamid Hadi, the Yemeni Minister of Transport; representatives from China and Oman; and Magda Kopczyńska from the EU Air Transport Directorate, DG MOVE.
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