International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 160 single delegations

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays a central role in facilitating cooperation among member states to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of global air travel. As aviation becomes increasingly interconnected, ICAO must navigate the complex intersection of economic competition, regulatory oversight, technological development, and geopolitical risk.

Topic A will explore how airlines have expanded through cross-border alliances, code-sharing agreements, and mergers to remain competitive. While these strategies can improve efficiency and connectivity, they also raise concerns regarding market consolidation, consumer choice, and regulatory transparency. This topic will examine the rise of airline alliances, code-sharing agreements, and industry consolidation, with a focus on their implications for market competition, consumer protection, and equitable access to global air travel. Delegates will consider the role of international regulation in maintaining a fair and transparent aviation system. Topic B will examine aviation safety in crisis response and the coordination of airspace in conflict zones.  The aviation sector faces mounting challenges related to safety and security in an unstable geopolitical environment. Airspace conflicts, emerging threats from both state and non-state actors, and recent aviation incidents have underscored the need for stronger coordination and clearer international standards. This topic will explore the challenges of maintaining aviation safety amid geopolitical instability. Delegates will evaluate existing international frameworks governing airspace usage, humanitarian corridors, and crisis response, and consider how ICAO can strengthen coordination and accountability in conflict-affected regions.

Chairs: Emily vincent & theodora lyne

TOPICS

Topic A: Competition, Mergers, Airline Alliances, and Regulation

Topic B: Aviation Safety in Crisis Response, and Airspace in Conflict Zones:

Emily Vincent (she/her) is a member of the class of 2027 in the McDonough School of Business from New Hampshire, majoring in International Business and Accounting. Besides being a staffer at lots of GIRA conferences, she had the pleasure of serving on the secretariat of NAIMUN LXII along with the amazing Theodora Lyne, as the Director of Programming. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Georgetown International Relations Association, overseeing NAIMUN as well as our college conference (NCSC) and many local and global programs. Outside of GIRA, Emily runs trainings for and volunteers with Hoya Taxa, a club which provides free income tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families in the DMV. In her free time, she likes to craft playlists for her friends, drink too much coffee, and spend time outdoors.

Theodora Lyne (she/her) is a member of the class of 2027 in the College of Arts and Sciences from New York City, majoring in Government and minoring in Italian and Science, Technology, and International Relations. NAIMUN LXIV is her sixth and final NAIMUN, having first gone to NAIMUN LVII as a delegate! Besides being a staffer at lots of GIRA conferences, she had the pleasure of serving on the secretariat of NAIMUN LXII along with the incredible Emily Vincent, as the Under-Secretary General of Contemporary Crisis. She currently serves as the Chief Local Strategist for the Georgetown International Relations Association, overseeing DMV area community programs and GIRA’s middle school conference, DistrictMUN. Outside of GIRA, Theodora is a member of the Philodemic Debate Society, is part of an advocacy group, and does election reporting. In her free time, she likes to take long walks along the Potomac, pretend to get work done in the library with her friends, and rewatch the West Wing.