Committee Description

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations tasked with regulating international air transport and promoting the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry. Headquartered in Montreal, the ICAO establishes global standards to ensure the safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility of civil aviation.

At SSUNS 2025, the ICAO committee will work collaboratively to mitigate the environmental impact of commercial aviation while fostering sustainable innovation through effective regulation. Aviation remains a cornerstone of global travel, trade, and connectivity, yet it also contributes significantly to carbon emissions and broader environmental challenges. Nevertheless, advancements in the aviation sector present compelling opportunities to pursue cleaner, faster, and more ambitious climate targets. To align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the governance of international aviation must be both effective and equitable.

Currently, commercial aviation accounts for approximately 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, though its overall climate impact is closer to 3.5% when non-CO₂ effects are considered. In 2023, international aviation emitted an estimated 492 million metric tons of CO₂—equivalent to roughly 1.5 times the annual emissions of the United Kingdom. With air traffic projected to approach 40 million flights annually by 2025, the urgency for sustainable solutions continues to grow.

Innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, and AI-assisted flight operations offer promising pathways to reducing emissions. SAFs alone have the potential to reduce the lifetime emissions of a commercial aircraft by up to 70% compared to conventional jet fuels. However, the successful adoption of these technologies depends on global cooperation, robust regulatory frameworks, and equitable access for all nations.

Delegates will explore the complex landscape of international aviation, grapple with the challenges of regulation, and navigate the balance between innovation and sustainability. While the task is formidable, delegates will engage in diplomatic collaboration and craft forward-thinking, impactful policies to guide the industry through its technological and environmental transitions. The ICAO at SSUNS 2025 will take the lead in shaping the future of aviation—ensuring it remains a safe, sustainable, fair, and efficient means of global connection.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Joshua Kertesz at gaecosoc@ssuns.org

Ari Vogli

Chair