The Muscat Declaration will serve as a foundational document for preparatory work ahead of the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025
A significant milestone in the effort to enhance global aviation security and cybersecurity was achieved at ICAO Security Week in Muscat, Oman, with the adoption of the Muscat Declaration. The event, which brought together 31 ministers and high-ranking officials, underlined the global commitment to protecting international civil aviation from traditional and emerging threats.
The Muscat Declaration, driven by the leadership and advocacy of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), calls on states to prioritise aviation security and cybersecurity on par with other civil aviation operations. It focuses on addressing a broad spectrum of threats, including insider risks and cyber-attacks, through sustainable, risk-based, and outcome-focused policies.
Unified Commitment To Security
In his opening address at the Ministerial Segment, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano stressed the urgency of innovation in aviation security. “We cannot stand still,” he said. “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 emphasises the importance of international cooperation, particularly in information sharing for threat prevention, the training of qualified security professionals, and implementing ICAO’s Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy. It also encourages states to ratify the Beijing Convention and Protocol of 2010, which are pivotal in deterring and addressing attacks on civil aviation.
Focus On Regional Collaboration
The Muscat Declaration advocates for stronger regional cooperation 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 programmes are key to ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” strategy, providing targeted assistance to countries in need.
“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. “Together, we have reaffirmed our dedication to safeguarding our skies with determination, ambition, and unity of purpose.”
Historic Gathering
ICAO Security Week, hosted for the first time outside ICAO headquarters, coincided with notable milestones in global aviation. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation and the 50th anniversary of Annex 17 on Aviation Security. During the event, ICAO launched the second edition of its Global Aviation Security Plan, aiming for at least 75 per cent Effective Implementation of aviation security standards by 2033.
Oman’s role as host highlighted its commitment to aviation security. The Civil Aviation Authority of Oman’s leadership in the Middle East Regional Aviation Security and Facilitation Group and its contributions to global initiatives further underscored its dedication.
Path To Future
The Muscat Declaration will serve as a foundational document for preparatory work ahead of the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025. It aims to guide the review of aviation security policies and strengthen cybersecurity resolutions, ensuring the safety and resilience of global air travel.
This gathering, hailed as a pivotal moment in aviation security, reflects a united global commitment to addressing the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and dynamic aviation landscape.
