The Permanent Representation of the Italian Republic to the ICAO is the diplomatic mission accredited by Italy to the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Through the Permanent Representation, Italy engages with the Organization and participates in its activities, actively contributing to the definition of global policies regarding international civil aviation and promoting Italian interests in the sector. Its work is carried out within the ICAO framework, which deals—among other things—with regulation on safety and security, and with the promotion of the sustainable development of global civil aviation.
The Representation is composed of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and from ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority).
It is currently headed by Ambassador Sergio Martes, who assumed office on June 26, 2023, and who represents the Italian Government on the ICAO Council, the body chaired by the President of the ICAO Council and composed of the Permanent Representatives of the 36 countries elected during the triennial Assembly.
On this website, you will find information about the Representation, its staff, and the latest news regarding the Delegation’s recent activities.
Institutional Commitment
Italy, with its rich expertise in the field of civil aviation, is an active partner within ICAO.
The Italian delegation regularly participates in Technical Committees and has long been a member of the ICAO Council.
As such, it actively contributes to the development and revision of international civil aviation regulations and is strongly committed to strengthening air safety policies, promoting sustainable aviation—including reducing the environmental impact of the sector—and defending the rights of air transport users.
Moreover, the Italian delegation plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and coordination among Italian members involved in ICAO working groups and technical panels, ensuring that national positions and priorities are adequately represented and integrated into international decision-making processes.
Italy also participates in the ANC (Air Navigation Commission) as an observer State.
Italy contributes to the Organization’s regular budget with a share corresponding—generally speaking—to its assessed contribution to the United Nations budget.
The Organization
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with primary responsibility for the regulation and development of civil aviation, established in 1947 following the ratification of the Chicago Convention by 52 countries.
ICAO is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, where the Secretariat, the Council, and the technical committees (Air Transport, Joint Support, Finance, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support, Aviation Security, Governance, Relations with Host Country, Climate and Environment) operate. The 193 member States meet every three years at the General Assembly.
ICAO promotes the development and adoption of international standards and Conventions related to air navigation, the transport of passengers and goods, and aviation safety.
The Organization’s main activities include, among others:
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developing technical studies and recommendations for Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) related to the safety, regularity, and efficiency of international air navigation;
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providing assistance to member States for the implementation of technical cooperation projects in the civil aviation sector.