The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) elected Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar of Colombia as the new Secretary General of the Organization as of 1 August 2021, for a three-year term.
A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created by governments in 1944 to support their diplomacy on international air transport matters. Since that time, countries have adopted over 12,000 standards and practices through ICAO which help to align their national regulations relevant to aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection. ICAO membership now stands at 193 States.
JUAN CARLOS SALAZAR
Delighted to address the Latin American community in the greater Montreal area, Juan Carlos Salazar received me in his office with a cordial disposition sharing the most important moments of his professional record before becoming the Secretary General of ICAO: "I was born in Medellin, Colombia, and from an early age, I got involved in community activities and in different organizations to fulfill my restlessness to serve others". Upon finishing his law studies at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Salazar worked for an international cargo airline for 6 years. "I was passionate about aviation - a changing and dynamic area that allowed me to meet people from all over the world, from different cultures, and I really found my vocation there. I knew I wanted to dedicate my professional life to civil aeronautics," he said.
To achieve his goal, he decided to pursue a master's degree in air and space law at McGill University, in Montreal, after which he returned to his home country to work first for the Ministry of Transport as advisor to the minister on aeronautical issues and then at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He then worked as an advisor to the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates for 12 years, which allowed him to gain valuable international experience. Salazar arrived in that country at a time of consistent growth in aviation and got actively involved in important international negotiations and agreements in this field.
Another step in fulfilling his vision was his return to Colombia as Director of his home country's CAA. Salazar arrived at a critical moment for Colombian aviation, which was growing rapidly but at a time when the Authority had been in a gradual weakening process. He proposed a long-term vision and recovery plan that was carried out very successfully.
ICAO
Juan Carlos Salazar began his mandate at ICAO in August 2021 under extraordinary circumstances, namely the crippling COVID-19 pandemic, and many of his first official meetings were carried out virtually, instead of the usual ICAO meeting rooms.
In addition to striving to achieve consensus among its members, ICAO also serves as a critical coordination and liaison platform to assist States in fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities through seven regional offices around the world.
In this regard, Salazar stressed that during the first three months of his mandate, he placed particular emphasis on the work carried out by the regional offices, since it is the most direct and effective mode of interaction between ICAO and Member States. "I have looked for opportunities to meet with officials from the regions, to explain the importance of the work they are doing, especially during the reactivation of the aeronautical sector. I have also participated in regional meetings with the CAAs in a virtual or face-to-face way to offer our contribution to Member States in the recovery of their air transport systems," he said.
He also pointed out the need for each Member State to advance in the implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices. This is one of the major undertakings of the Organization, as revealed by safety and security audits that show how some States are complying well with Standards while others are not doing so well. In such cases, the role of the Regional Offices is critical in supporting Member States by guiding and advising them in the implementation process.
Visit to the South American Regional Office
Salazar recently visited the ICAO Regional Office in Lima and held meetings with the civil aviation authorities of Peru, both from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, and other related organizations. An agreement was signed for the issuance of electronic and high-tech passports. Likewise, an addendum was signed to renew the Technical Assistance Agreement to strengthen civil aeronautics in Peru. This agreement includes the transfer of knowledge and safety measures in aeronautical matters.
Impact of the pandemic
One of the greatest challenges to air transport during the pandemic has been the lack of standardization of the requirements for international travel. In addition to assist States in dealing with the suspension of commercial operations, ICAO issued guidelines and recommendations through the Special Aviation Recovery Task Force to allow them to manage the risk of the pandemic, or new variants that may arise.
Salazar came into his position, in the middle of preparations for the High-Level Conference on COVID-19 that took place last October, and where an important Ministerial Declaration was adopted on safety and facilitation for civil aviation. "Since then, we have concentrated on disseminating this Roadmap, to its implementation by States in a way that is non-discriminatory, carried out in a constructive manner and that in no way implies the closure of borders," Salazar emphasized.
Back to Montreal
Juan Carlos Salazar smiles when he remembers his student days in Montreal. "I have the best memories of Montreal. When I decided to study at McGill University, it was the first time that I left my home country. It was an experience that helped me to evolve as a person and professionally, and I always kept ties very alive with the University and the graduates. I also remember that the winter was colder, -40 degrees in 1998, but they tell me that winters now are milder," he said.
Finally, Salazar has a message for anyone, and especially women, who would like to pursue a career in international civil aviation, to keep alert on information emanating from ICAO and the sector. "International civil aviation is looking for talent and can benefit from a greater participation of women; it is one of the main themes that motivate ICAO and me, particularly as Secretary General. I have always had the privilege of working alongside many professional women who are committed, enterprising, and who somehow know how to lead with values," he highlighted.
If you want more information about ICAO, I invite you to visit:
https://www.icao.int
