Aviation authorities across Africa have agreed to transform air transport by prioritizing the implementation of ICAO's digitalization initiative and debate led by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the Yaund of Cameroon, by prioritizing the emergence of stronger regional networks.
The success of the two-day ICAO Regional Facilitation Forum was the result of the participation of 32 countries and eight organisations, and was represented by 272 participants from customs, immigration, law enforcement and public health authorities, along with aviation staff and operators. The event was held under the auspices of Cameroonian President Paul Biya.
Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister of State and Secretary-General of President Cameroon.
Prioritizing improved support for aircraft accident victims and increasing civil aviation access to people with disabilities were also important outcomes of the event.
These objectives emerge as ICAO predicts Africa's air force growth above the global average by 2050, pointing to the need for action.
“The insights shared in the Yound on opportunities for aviation implementation are essential, especially in under-sufficient regions as aviation continues to evolve and grow.” “Established priorities help stakeholders in Africa and the Indian Ocean region fully recognize the interests of aviation. Here we share an important perspective that directly shares our global initiatives.”
ICAO organized an event to ensure that African expertise and goals will feed directly to the Global Facilitation Symposium in April. The symposium informs discussions at the 42nd session of ICAO Parliament in September. There, all 193 member states will be invited to determine the strategic direction of international civil aviation for the next few years.
Close cooperation with Cameroon
During his mission to the Yound, ICAO Secretary General Salazar met with Prime Minister Joseph Dion. The Executive Director thanked Cameroon for his important support for civil aviation and ICAO initiatives, noting his recent investments in aviation infrastructure, particularly those such as training facilities and new search and rescue centres. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening aviation as a catalyst for economic development.
The Secretary-General also held a bilateral meeting with Minister Ngoh Ngoh, along with the mandate of Cameroon to the Minister of External Affairs, responsible for relations with the Union. Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Massena Nougalé Vibeye; National Security Delegation Martin Mbarga Nuguer.
Reiterating his gratitude for Cameroon's strong partnership with ICAO, the Executive Director encouraged the continued strong leadership in aviation development in the region.
The discussions addressed Cameroon's strategic vision for aviation, an ongoing project to enhance safety and security monitoring capabilities, and the successful implementation of the Public Key Directory (PKD) for Travel Documents.
During these engagements, the Executive Director launched a new search and rescue centre in Yound, visited the Cameroon Civil Aviation Training Centre and visited the travel document production facility.
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