Thank you, Mr. President (Dr. Benard Aliu, President of the ICAO Council). It is an honor for me to address this Special Council Session on such a momentous occasion.  Congratulations to ICAO for 70 years of global leadership in international aviation. 

During the first years of ICAO’s existence, commercial aviation was still in its infancy.  In the 1940s, the vast majority of the world’s citizens had never travelled by air, and routes were limited.  Fares were exorbitantly high, but would gradually become more affordable to many more travelers. 

Since that time, aviation has changed beyond the wildest imagination of its pioneers.  Its exponential growth has been nothing short of amazing.  Millions of people now fly safely to vast and far reaches of the world.  Billions of dollars of goods are shipped daily on aircraft.  Aviation supports economies big and small by the trillions of dollars, and the aviation industry provides jobs to millions.  Most importantly, we can say with great satisfaction that it is the safest form of travel. 

And, consider all the vast improvements since ICAO began its work to ensure a safe and efficient global aviation system.  Safety rates have dramatically improved.  Air traffic operations are becoming more and more efficient, and system modernization is taking hold.  Aircraft are certified to incredibly safe levels.  We are integrating new entrants into the global airspace and addressing environmental concerns.

All of these major steps forward could not have happened without ICAO’s leadership.  Through this organization, and with the efforts and technical expertise of Member States and industry, we have worked together to set global aviation standards and guidelines.  These standards have created a sound foundation for a safe, harmonized, and environmentally responsible aviation system. 

We can all be proud, as participants in this most vital of international bodies, that our efforts have paid off tremendously. 

While we as Member States at times have differing points-of-view and interests, this forum allows us to reach a global consensus and harmonize our approaches in the best possible way to enhance global aviation.  It remains a remarkable body and shows the world how true collaboration works.

Congratulations once again on this historic occasion, and thank you all for joining us here in Chicago where it all began.