Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s High-level Meeting on the feasibility of a long-term aspirational goal for international aviation CO2 emissions reductions. The nomination was put forward by Singapore and seconded by Greece.
The ICAO High-level Meeting is taking place at Montreal, Canada from July 19-22. The meeting brings together high-level officials from states to discuss the CO2 emissions reduction scenarios and options for a goal, along with the means of implementation and the monitoring of progress, and providing recommendations. A number of international organizations with direct involvement in aviation and environment are also participating as observers.
Delivering the country address at the meeting, Minister Nahula highlighted that the Maldives is living with the consequences of the climate crisis, which translates to extensive loss, damage and disruption to people’s lives and property. The minister stated those who are the most vulnerable aren’t the ones contributing to the climate issues faced today, but sadly are the ones who have to bear the brunt of the disasters and are left with the financial difficulties dealing with the aftermath. She reiterated that the Maldives has shown commitment for a greener and sustainable air transport sector and shown its commitment to the ICAO’s initiatives by volunteering to participate in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) from next year onwards.
ICAO is a United Nations (UN) Specialised Agency that is the global forum for civil aviation. ICAO is directed by 193 national governments to support their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport as signatory states to the Chicago Convention (1944).