Fiji Urges Equitable Support for Small Island States at the 42nd ICAO Assembly A42

Montreal, Canada – 24 September 2025 – At the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly, Fiji reaffirmed its strong commitment to global aviation progress and urged greater inclusion of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international aviation initiatives.

Delivering Fiji’s statement, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka, emphasized that for island nations, aviation is not just transport, it is a critical lifeline to global markets, essential services, and international engagement.

“The outcomes of this Assembly are vital,” Minister Gavoka said. “For Fiji, the future of aviation is about resilience and survival—across sustainability, safety, cybersecurity, and sovereignty.”

The Minister expressed strong support for ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and welcomed the Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). However, the Minister stressed the need for equitable access to climate finance, technology, and SAF for SIDS.

Reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, the Minister highlighted Fiji’s progress in aligning with ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and ratifying key international treaties. Fiji is also advancing toward full ratification of the Montreal Convention 1999, the Beijing Convention, and the Beijing Protocol, with continued technical and legal support from ICAO.

The Minister welcomed ICAO’s capacity-building efforts in the Asia-Pacific, including the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) programme. He called for expanded scholarships, SIDS-specific training, and a regional centre of excellence in aviation education for the Pacific.

Addressing emerging issues, the Minister called for stronger global cooperation on aviation cybersecurity and the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), with tailored support for Pacific regulatory capacity.

The Minister reaffirmed support for ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan and emphasized the need for investments in smarter airspace systems to better serve remote communities.

“We do not seek special treatment, we seek fair partnerships,” Minister Gavoka concluded. “Let this Assembly deliver action. Let ‘No Country Left Behind’ be realized in finance, training, law, and leadership.”

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