Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to the Chicago Convention when works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi, attended the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly last week. 

The session was hosted at organisation’s headquarters in Montréal, Canada from 23 September to 3 October 2025. 

The Chicago Convention, previously known as the Convention On International Civil Aviation, is a 1944 treaty that established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a UN specialised agency. Signed by 52 states, the convention provides a framework for international air travel, defining rules for airspace, safety, and aircraft registration, and promoting cooperation and the orderly development of international aviation.  

Nekundi led a Namibian delegation where he delivered a statement on behalf of Namibia on the floor of the Assembly on 30 September 2025, reaffirming Namibia’s unwavering commitment to the Chicago Convention.

“Allow me to extend our sincere gratitude to ICAO for its continued leadership in fostering safe, secure, sustainable and efficient international civil aviation. As we convene for the 42nd Assembly under the banner of ‘Safe skies, sustainable future’, Namibia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Chicago Convention and to the vision of a safe, connected world through civil aviation.  It is in the interest of all members states to ensure that this august organisation guards against the politicisation of its affairs and the agenda under consideration. ICAO is a noble organisation and I should caution that allowing the politicisation of this Assembly is a threat to the intention and ambitions of this great organisation”, said Nekundi. 

The minister added that ICAO and its members must behave with integrity and respect toward all member states in the spirit of ‘no country left behind’, including the legal interpretation of the convention’s instruments. 

During the assembly, all 193 ICAO member states were invited to shape the direction of international civil aviation for the next three years. 

Eight African states partook in the election of members to ICAO Council resulting in Africa securing eight out of 36 seats on the International ICAO Council, representing nearly one-fourth of the Council.

“Warm congratulations to #Angola, #Egypt, #EquatorialGuinea, #Mali, #Morocco, #Nigeria, #SouthAfrica, and #Uganda, who will serve on the Council for the 2025–2028 term,” read a statement from the works and transport ministry. 

The ministry added that the outcome of ICAO Council election is a powerful testament to the international community’s trust in Africa’s leadership and the continent’s united commitment to shaping global aviation governance. 

“With this strong representation, Africa is strategically positioned to advance ICAO’s global pillars, including driving the sector toward Net Zero Net zero Carbon emissions by 2050, ensuring leaving no one behind, and achieving zero fatalities. The mandate will also enable Africa to accelerate continental integration through strengthening the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), enhancing aviation safety and security, and driving inclusive economic growth in line with Agenda 2063,” the ministry stated. 

The ministry also extended gratitude to the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC ) for its crucial coordination role and acknowledged the invaluable support of all member states and partners who continue to stand with Africa in promoting safe, inclusive, and sustainable aviation.

ICAO is a strong proponent of aviation supporting jobs, tourism, trade, supply chains, and cross-border collaboration. An ICAO study reports that 3.9% of global gross domestic product (GDP) is supported by the aviation sector. For many countries — especially landlocked, island, or developing States — aviation is essential, providing vital links to markets, services, and opportunity.

ICAO’s strategic goal reflects its belief that aviation is a public good, one that must be developed responsibly, fairly, and inclusively. ICAO has pledged to building a global air transport system that delivers shared economic benefits and fosters prosperity in every region.

“We  will also support the development of emerging aviation sectors — like drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) — ensuring that regulatory frameworks evolve to support economic opportunity while maintaining fairness and safety,” ICAO stated.