Thursday 3 September 2024, In response to a question in parliament this morning, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon Viliame Gavoka provided an insightful update on Fiji’s participation and outcomes from the recent Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, held in New Delhi, India, on September 11-12, 2024. This pivotal event, which saw the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, was crucial for addressing the evolving challenges in civil aviation and setting a collective vision for the future.

Fiji’s Leadership and Commitment

The Honourable Minister proudly announced Fiji’s election as the Deputy Chairperson of the conference, a testament to the nation’s leadership and commitment in the civil aviation sector. This prestigious position ensures Fiji’s direct influence in shaping the region’s aviation policies moving forward.

Historical Context and Progress

Reflecting on the First Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held in Beijing, China, in 2018, the Minister highlighted the significant strides Fiji has made since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration. Fiji’s effective implementation score stands above the global average, underscoring its commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Key Outcomes of the Conference

The conference, co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the Government of India, gathered over 200 delegates, including 12 Ministers, 8 Deputy Ministers, and 24 Directors General of civil aviation. The presence of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the critical role of aviation in economic development.

Despite the pandemic’s impact on the global civil aviation sector, the conference resulted in 29 Asia Pacific nations committing to a landmark shift towards sustainable aviation, enhanced safety, and technological innovation. This commitment aligns with the ‘Global Framework’ agreed upon at ICAO’s Third Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), chaired by the Honourable Minister in Dubai last November.

Environmental and Gender Equality Initiatives

A key focus of the conference was accelerating efforts to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. The Honourable Minister emphasized the industry’s commitment to achieving a collective global aspirational vision to reduce CO2 emissions in international aviation by 5% by 2030 through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other cleaner energies.

Additionally, the conference highlighted the critical role of gender equality in the sector. Efforts to ensure gender equity in aviation are essential to meet the human resource demands of the industry’s rapid expansion.

Adoption of the Delhi Declaration

The adoption of the Delhi Declaration marks a renewed commitment to civil aviation. This Declaration reaffirms support for ICAO’s global plans for safety, air navigation, and aviation security. It also emphasizes the adoption of new technologies, investment in infrastructure, promotion of gender equality, reduction of emissions, and enhanced regional cooperation.

Coalition Government’s Commitment

The Honourable Minister’s address underscores the Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to its policies on civil aviation. The Fiji Government’s dedication to safety, security, and innovation in the aviation sector is evident through its active participation and leadership in international forums. The Coalition Government remains steadfast in its efforts to rebuild and advance the aviation industry, ensuring sustainable growth and regional cooperation.

Fiji’s Commitment to the Future

In conclusion, the Honourable Minister reiterated Fiji’s full support for the Delhi Declaration and its principles of safety, security, and innovation. Fiji is ready to collaborate with regional partners to meet the aviation challenges of today and tomorrow, marking a significant step forward for civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Click here to read the full parliamentary response: https://shorturl.at/uFrHf