Why is the International Civil Aviation Organization affiliated with the United Nations?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency affiliated with the United Nations because it serves as the primary intergovernmental body responsible for the global coordination of civil aviation standards and regulations.12

Established by the 1944 Chicago Convention, the ICAO functions as a specialized agency to ensure that international air transport is developed safely, efficiently, and for peaceful purposes. Its affiliation with the UN framework allows it to operate as a global authority that standardizes aeronautical regulations, manages technical assistance programs, and facilitates international agreements across virtually every state in the world. By operating under the UN umbrella, the ICAO effectively promotes international cooperation in air law, ensuring that the growth of global aviation does not compromise safety or security.12