Strategic Objective B – Security – International Assistance and Cooperation

Aviation security-related assistance and capacity-building was carried out under the ISD-SEC Programme throughout the year and included such activities as needs assessments; development of State Improvement Plans; preparation of training courses; and guidance for States in the development of their national AVSEC programmes.

Strategically, ICAO increased emphasis on providing on-the-job training in partnership with Member States. In addition, the 38th Session of the Assembly called for the Organization to prioritize assistance for States that demonstrate a commitment to sustain AVSEC improvements.

ICAO and the European Union (EU) signed an Annex on Aviation Security to the ICAO/EU Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). The Annex establishes a framework for exchanging information and undertaking joint activities in the field of aviation security.

Regional activities in partnership with States were expanded with the inaugural Aviation Security Seminar for Eastern European States, held in Uzbekistan in April by the newly created ICAO EUR/NAT AVSEC Group. Additionally, the Asia/Pacific Regional Aviation Security Coordinated Forum was established under ICAO’s leadership. Both initiatives provide practical platforms for strengthening regional aviation security in a coordinated and uniform manner.

The Cooperative Aviation Security Programme for the Middle East (CASP-MID) initiated activities with the support of five Member States. The goal of the new entity is to enhance the implementation of security measures as well as promote coordination on AVSEC matters in the region. Its primary near-term focus is on training, and during the year training sessions were held for the participating States in partnership with the ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre (ASTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) organized a regional seminar in Niamey, Niger, with support from ICAO, that focused on the threat posed by man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS); participants agreed on 12 recommendations and a roadmap for mitigating the MANPADS threat to civil aviation.

ICAO continued its cooperation with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED). Over the course of the year, the Secretariat provided relevant information for CTED visits to Ireland, Japan and Serbia. In addition, Headquarters personnel participated in visits to Mauritania and Gabon, augmenting the CTED teams with expertise in aviation security.