ICAO elects UAE Minister of Economy to chair security conference

Al Mansouri's election in such significant international congregation reflects UAE's global position as one of the top players in the region and among the active members on ICAO council.

The Minister of Economy expressed his gratitude to this election and stressed the significance of deliberating with the international community under the umbrella of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Al Mansouri headed the UAE Delegation to Canada accompanied by HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, Capt. Aysha Al Hamili, Permanent Representative of UAE to ICAO and Eng. Aws Al Khinjari, Executive Directors of Aviation Security Affairs at GCAA.

High Level Security Conference serves as an international forum for aviation security experts from over 190 States to look into current security trends and analyze international data gathered by different countries around the world. It fosters international negotiations which lead to introducing new global regulations and policies to optimize aviation security.

ICAO estimates that civil aviation will grow by 6.0% in 2013, 6.4% in 2014, and 4.9% on annual basis until 2020, with aircraft operators facing a challenging profitability environment in the near term. At the same time, it is anticipated that the threat for unlawful interference with civil aviation will persist and will become more complex as new methods of attach are conceived. Aviation security vulnerabilities in the global air transport system are in need of significant attention over the long term so that gaps can be progressively reduced, denying terrorists and other opportunities to exploit aviation. A global economic climate characterized by fiscal austerity serves to exacerbate the challenges.

The objectives of the Conference are to provide an opportunity for States and aviation stakeholders to engage in discussion on present and future challenges to aviation security; reach global consensus on key aviation security priorities; and ensure that the commitments expressed by States during the series of regional conferences, held in 2011 and 2012, culminate in a harmonized implementation of the ICAO declaration on Aviation Security, through enhanced international cooperation. This event is also expected to agree on recommendations on policy direction with respect to critical aviation security issues.

Over 130 delegations are expected to come up with decisions and recommendation to conclude the conference this coming Friday.