Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation Concludes with Delhi Declaration
The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded on September 12th in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The two-day conference, hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), saw participation from 29 countries, including ministers, policymakers, and representatives from 8 international organizations.
The Delhi Declaration serves as a comprehensive framework for enhancing regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering sustainable growth within the civil aviation sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced the unanimous passing of the declaration, highlighted India's technological and infrastructural advancements in the sector. He also emphasized the need for inclusivity, stating that India has a higher percentage of female pilots than the global average and is working to increase this number further.
The conference also witnessed discussions on various crucial aspects of aviation, including safety, security, green aviation, and air navigation. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, while Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam stressed the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, from top civil aviation leaders to international organizations and startups.
Day 2 of the conference featured a presentation by ICAO on the establishment of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office, aimed at supporting smaller nations in addressing aviation challenges. The conference concluded with a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, highlighting the organization's role in shaping international aviation standards.