Which international organization is responsible for establishing global standards for aviation safety?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the correct answer because it is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. One of ICAO's primary functions is to set global standards and regulations for airport and airline operations, including those related to aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.

ICAO develops and promotes international standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that member states are encouraged to adopt. This helps ensure a high level of safety and efficiency in international air transport, which is critical given the global nature of aviation. The organization works with countries to implement these standards effectively, facilitating safe international aviation operations.

In contrast, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) primarily focuses on representing the interests of airlines and enhancing their safety, reliability, and efficiency through industry policies and initiatives, but it does not have the authority to establish global safety standards. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) governs shipping regulations and safety at sea, not aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a national authority responsible for the regulations and oversight of civil aviation in the United States, but it does not have the global mandate that ICAO has for aviation safety.