29th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors & UN Advisers

Question 1

Opening Session

Question 2

Enabled Sectors - Mine Action as a Foundation for Sustainable Development 🔻

Answer

Purpose of the session:

This plenary will demonstrate to the sector at large how mine action – anchored in national ownership – forms a critical backbone for sustainable development processes. It will showcase outcomes beyond clearance, such as restored agricultural production, access to essential services, building community resilience and renewed economic activity. This plenary will promote cross-sectoral partnerships and reinforce the message that mine action is a strategic investment in stability and human development, reinforcing the meeting theme of ‘one humanity’.

Moderator

Ms. Shoko Noda, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the UNDP Crisis Bureau,

Speakers:

Colonel Cletus Maregere, Director, Zimbabwe Minr Action Centre
TBC - Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva
Ms. Karen Galokale, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Government of the Solomon Islands and Dr Stacey Pizzino, University of Queensland
Mr. Dominique Burgeon, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva

Question 3

Answer

- From Policy to Practice: Lessons from Field Implementation of Cluster Munition Commitments

Room B

This side event explores how States and operators translate cluster munition commitments into practical action. It highlights Lao PDR’s national experience, regional operational perspectives, and system-wide insights to identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned. The session aims to inform the next Action Plan while engaging mine action directors, UN advisers, operators, donors, and other stakeholders in a practitioner-focused discussion.

Participating Member States and organizations

TBC

_______________

- From crisis to recovery: Strengthening Victim Assistance for survivors of explosive weapons

Room C

Survivors of explosive weapons face predictable and long-term harm, yet Victim Assistance systems often struggle to respond during crises. Drawing lessons from Gaza, Libya, and Ukraine, this side-event will explore how Victim Assistance operates across different stages of conflict and recovery. The side-event aims to promote integrated, survivor-centred approaches linking emergency response with long-term inclusion, state, and international commitments. It will engage donors, States, and UN coordination actors working on protection and Humanitarian Mine Action.

Participating Member States and organisations

The Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC)
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Ukraine
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) occupied Palestinian territory

_______________

- Protecting civilians in Libya: The Skirat explosion response, bridging information and field operations

Room E

This event will show how information management and operations work together to reduce explosive risks and protect civilians in Libya. It will draw on the response to the unplanned explosion at Skirat in Misrata, highlighting how LibMAC swiftly mobilized national and international NGOs for clearance and risk education. The event will also show how IMSMA supports timely, coordinated response through data collection, analysis and tasking in support of stabilization and conflict prevention.

Participating Member States and organizations

Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC)
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
Libyan Peace Organization (LPO)
GICHD
The HALO Trust

_______________

- Integrated, Environmentally Responsible Mine Action and Ammunition Management: Türkiye’s National Model for One Humanity

Room F

This side event presents an integrated approach to mine action and ammunition management, combining safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation. It will showcase national capabilities in safe modular storage, inspection and life-cycle management, environmentally responsible disposal, and mechanical mine clearance. The session aims to promote international cooperation and share best practices. It targets States Parties, international organisations, donors, and technical experts working in humanitarian mine action and ammunition management.

Participating Member States and organizations

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence (MoND)
Turkish Permanent Mission to UNOG
Turkish Mine Action Centre (TURMAC)
ASFAT – Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc.

_______________

Answer

Room B

This side event explores how States and operators translate cluster munition commitments into practical action. It highlights Lao PDR’s national experience, regional operational perspectives, and system-wide insights to identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned. The session aims to inform the next Action Plan while engaging mine action directors, UN advisers, operators, donors, and other stakeholders in a practitioner-focused discussion.

Participating Member States and organizations

TBC

_______________

Answer

Room C

Survivors of explosive weapons face predictable and long-term harm, yet Victim Assistance systems often struggle to respond during crises. Drawing lessons from Gaza, Libya, and Ukraine, this side-event will explore how Victim Assistance operates across different stages of conflict and recovery. The side-event aims to promote integrated, survivor-centred approaches linking emergency response with long-term inclusion, state, and international commitments. It will engage donors, States, and UN coordination actors working on protection and Humanitarian Mine Action.

Participating Member States and organisations

The Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC)
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Ukraine
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) occupied Palestinian territory

_______________

Answer

Room E

This event will show how information management and operations work together to reduce explosive risks and protect civilians in Libya. It will draw on the response to the unplanned explosion at Skirat in Misrata, highlighting how LibMAC swiftly mobilized national and international NGOs for clearance and risk education. The event will also show how IMSMA supports timely, coordinated response through data collection, analysis and tasking in support of stabilization and conflict prevention.

Participating Member States and organizations

Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC)
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
Libyan Peace Organization (LPO)
GICHD
The HALO Trust

_______________

Answer

Room F

This side event presents an integrated approach to mine action and ammunition management, combining safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation. It will showcase national capabilities in safe modular storage, inspection and life-cycle management, environmentally responsible disposal, and mechanical mine clearance. The session aims to promote international cooperation and share best practices. It targets States Parties, international organisations, donors, and technical experts working in humanitarian mine action and ammunition management.

Participating Member States and organizations

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence (MoND)
Turkish Permanent Mission to UNOG
Turkish Mine Action Centre (TURMAC)
ASFAT – Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc.

_______________

Question 4

Answer

- From Hazard to Human Outcomes: Ukraine’s Explainable, Data-Driven Prioritisation with GRIT (RC Office Ukraine)

- Investing in Safe Land: Pathways to Support Livelihoods in the Horn of Africa

Room C

Landmine and explosive ordnance contamination in the Horn of Africa blocks access to grazing land, farmland, water, and trade routes, deepening food insecurity and undermining livelihoods. This session will share practical evidence on how humanitarian mine action can restore safe land for productive use and support community-led recovery. It will bring together donors, national authorities, operators, and implementing partners interested in linking mine action more effectively with livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience.

Participating organizations

The HALO Trust
Danish Refugee Council

_______________

- Briefing from Mine Action Review on global progress in landmine and cluster munition remnant clearance and lessons learnt

- Beyond Compliance: Discussing the Impact of Victim Assistance Standards on Survivors access to services

Room: F

Five years after the adoption of the international standard on victim assistance (IMAS 13.10), this session evaluates their practical application in conflict affected states like Ukraine, Colombia, Palestine, Senegal and Syria. The event aims to identify field-level barriers and share best practices in IMAS 13.10 operationalization. At the same time, it looks to have an open conversation about how the application of this norm has helped improve data collection, mapping of services and survivors' access to services. We welcome national authorities, mine action operators, donors, and survivor organizations who want to have a deeper view of how victim assistance standards have been operationalized globally.

Participating Member States and organizations

Colombia - Mine Action Authority
Humanity & Inclusion
Danish Refugee Council

_______________

Answer

Room C

Landmine and explosive ordnance contamination in the Horn of Africa blocks access to grazing land, farmland, water, and trade routes, deepening food insecurity and undermining livelihoods. This session will share practical evidence on how humanitarian mine action can restore safe land for productive use and support community-led recovery. It will bring together donors, national authorities, operators, and implementing partners interested in linking mine action more effectively with livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience.

Participating organizations

The HALO Trust
Danish Refugee Council

_______________

Answer

Room: F

Five years after the adoption of the international standard on victim assistance (IMAS 13.10), this session evaluates their practical application in conflict affected states like Ukraine, Colombia, Palestine, Senegal and Syria. The event aims to identify field-level barriers and share best practices in IMAS 13.10 operationalization. At the same time, it looks to have an open conversation about how the application of this norm has helped improve data collection, mapping of services and survivors' access to services. We welcome national authorities, mine action operators, donors, and survivor organizations who want to have a deeper view of how victim assistance standards have been operationalized globally.

Participating Member States and organizations

Colombia - Mine Action Authority
Humanity & Inclusion
Danish Refugee Council

_______________

Question 5

Plenary Session 2

Answer

Emergency Risk Education (EO and EWIPA)

Question 6

Reception

Answer

Speaker: H.E. Mr. Julien Thöni - Ambassador Disarmament and Multilateral Affairs, Deputy Permanent Representative

Question 7

Answer

- Localizing Gender in Humanitarian Mine Action: Sharing Ukraine’s experience of empowering women at the frontline in Humanitarian Mine Action

Room: B

From the onset of the war to response and recovery. Gender and women's empowerment should be at the centre of all actions. Integrating women's empowerment into locally led humanitarian mine action is sustainable and efficient. Sharing these inclusive practical practices enhances efficiency and improves outcomes in HMA for recovery and peacebuilding in crisis- or war-affected countries.

Participating Member States and organizations

Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
UN Women
NGO Girls
Croatian Center for Testing, Development and Training
Geneva International Center of Humanitarian Demining

_______________

- Making Localisation Work: Pathways to Sustainable Nationally Led Mine Action

Room: C

Localisation is central to achieving sustainable, nationally led mine action, yet its meaning and approach remain inconsistent across the sector. This session aims to discuss approaches to localisation, share practical experiences from donors, national authorities, national NGOs, and International operators, and explore pathways that strengthen national ownership, promote local leadership, and ensure sustainable investment. It seeks to engage donors, affected states, national authorities, and local and international practitioners committed to strengthening effective, sustainable mine action.

Participating Member States and organizations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Mine Action Centre of the Republic of Serbia
Mines Advisory Group International (MAG International)
Ukrainian Deminers Association
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

_______________

- Managing Explosive Hazards in Cities - Lessons from Sudan, Gaza, Syria and Iraq

Room: E

What does it take to make cities safe again after conflict? Explosive hazards in homes, streets and critical infrastructure are blocking returns, humanitarian access and recovery. This session will explore how mine action can unlock progress, drawing on Sudan, Gaza, Syria and Iraq. It will highlight practical lessons and priority actions for national authorities, operators and donors working to link mine action with safe returns, service restoration and reconstruction.

Participating Member States and organizations

National Mine Action Authorities of Sudan
Directorate of Mine Action, iraq
UNMAS (Sudan/OPT/Syria/Iraq)

_______________

- Cultural Heritage Protection in Mine Action (BlueShield)

Answer

Room: B

From the onset of the war to response and recovery. Gender and women's empowerment should be at the centre of all actions. Integrating women's empowerment into locally led humanitarian mine action is sustainable and efficient. Sharing these inclusive practical practices enhances efficiency and improves outcomes in HMA for recovery and peacebuilding in crisis- or war-affected countries.

Participating Member States and organizations

Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
UN Women
NGO Girls
Croatian Center for Testing, Development and Training
Geneva International Center of Humanitarian Demining

_______________

Answer

Room: C

Localisation is central to achieving sustainable, nationally led mine action, yet its meaning and approach remain inconsistent across the sector. This session aims to discuss approaches to localisation, share practical experiences from donors, national authorities, national NGOs, and International operators, and explore pathways that strengthen national ownership, promote local leadership, and ensure sustainable investment. It seeks to engage donors, affected states, national authorities, and local and international practitioners committed to strengthening effective, sustainable mine action.

Participating Member States and organizations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Mine Action Centre of the Republic of Serbia
Mines Advisory Group International (MAG International)
Ukrainian Deminers Association
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

_______________

Answer

Room: E

What does it take to make cities safe again after conflict? Explosive hazards in homes, streets and critical infrastructure are blocking returns, humanitarian access and recovery. This session will explore how mine action can unlock progress, drawing on Sudan, Gaza, Syria and Iraq. It will highlight practical lessons and priority actions for national authorities, operators and donors working to link mine action with safe returns, service restoration and reconstruction.

Participating Member States and organizations

National Mine Action Authorities of Sudan
Directorate of Mine Action, iraq
UNMAS (Sudan/OPT/Syria/Iraq)

_______________

Question 8

Plenary Session 3

Answer

From standard to practice: implementing the new IMAS land release framework

Purpose of the session:

Land release is central to the effectiveness, credibility and sustainability of mine action, influencing how contamination is understood, how resources are prioritised and how land is safely returned to communities. This plenary will consider the strategic role of land release through the lens of revised IMAS 07.11, and explore how standards, evidence, technology and financing can strengthen national ownership and improve programme outcomes.

Moderator:

Ambassador Tobias Privitelli, Director, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

Speakers:

Mr. Fadi Alsaleh, Director, Syria Mine Action Centre
Ms. Angela De Santis, Deputy Head of Operations, Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD)
Mr. James Cowan, CEO, The HALO Trust
Mr. Armen Harutyunyan, Head of Research, Innovation, Standards, and Operations, GICHD
Mr. Rabie Al Jawashi Program Manager / Founder, Free Fields Libya

_______________

Answer

Purpose of the session:

Land release is central to the effectiveness, credibility and sustainability of mine action, influencing how contamination is understood, how resources are prioritised and how land is safely returned to communities. This plenary will consider the strategic role of land release through the lens of revised IMAS 07.11, and explore how standards, evidence, technology and financing can strengthen national ownership and improve programme outcomes.

Moderator:

Ambassador Tobias Privitelli, Director, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

Speakers:

Mr. Fadi Alsaleh, Director, Syria Mine Action Centre
Ms. Angela De Santis, Deputy Head of Operations, Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD)
Mr. James Cowan, CEO, The HALO Trust
Mr. Armen Harutyunyan, Head of Research, Innovation, Standards, and Operations, GICHD
Mr. Rabie Al Jawashi Program Manager / Founder, Free Fields Libya

_______________

Question 9

Answer

- Syria one year on: addressing explosive ordnance contamination in a changing context — progress and priorities

Room: B

One year after major shifts in Syria’s operational context, explosive ordnance contamination continues to pose a widespread threat to civilians and to safe returns, livelihoods and recovery. This session will reflect on progress achieved, highlight remaining challenges, and explore priorities for scaling mine action. Bringing together national and operational perspectives, it will engage donors, policymakers and humanitarian actors on how to sustain and strengthen the response.

Participating Member States and orgnaizations

Syria National Mine Action Centre
Syria Mine Action Area of Responsibility
DanChurch Aid
Danish Refugee Council
Humanity & Inclusion
ITF Enhancing Human Security M
ines Advisory Group
Norwegian People’s Aid
The HALO Trust
ReachOut
Roj Mine Control Organisation
SafeLand Organisation
United Nations Mine Action Service

_______________

- From Guidance to Action: Emerging Frameworks and Global Coordination for EORE and CPP (NPA/EORE AG)

More information coming soon.

_______________

- Justifying and embedding environmental responsibility and long-term climate considerations into mine action programmes

Room: E

To highlight how explosive ordnance contamination constrains early recovery in contexts where the full scope of mine action cannot yet be implemented, and to present adaptive solutions applied in Gaza under severe operational constraints. The event will showcase coordinated and integrated approaches combining enabling EOD, EORE–CPP, and victim assistance, demonstrating how these pillars work together to support humanitarian access, protect civilians, and enable early recovery efforts in a highly complex operational environment.

Participating organizations

United Nations Mine Action Service
Humanity & Inclusion
The HALO Trust
Norwegian People’s Aid

_______________

- Stories of Resilience - Ukraine

Room: F

Places, people and results in the spotlight rather than technical aspects of mine action. Provides an insight into the life and struggles of rural communities. Links clearance to recovery, telling the stories and hearing the voices of rural households and small-scale farmers through immersive video clips of mine action successes. Reviews rural community engagement and livelihood, production, and food security results through activities of the United Nations, civil society, and state implementing arms of Ukraine.

Participating Member States and organisations

State Emergency Services of Ukraine (SESU)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
Centre for Humanitarian Demining (CHD)
Ukraine Demining Association (UDA)

_______________

Answer

Room: B

One year after major shifts in Syria’s operational context, explosive ordnance contamination continues to pose a widespread threat to civilians and to safe returns, livelihoods and recovery. This session will reflect on progress achieved, highlight remaining challenges, and explore priorities for scaling mine action. Bringing together national and operational perspectives, it will engage donors, policymakers and humanitarian actors on how to sustain and strengthen the response.

Participating Member States and orgnaizations

Syria National Mine Action Centre
Syria Mine Action Area of Responsibility
DanChurch Aid
Danish Refugee Council
Humanity & Inclusion
ITF Enhancing Human Security M
ines Advisory Group
Norwegian People’s Aid
The HALO Trust
ReachOut
Roj Mine Control Organisation
SafeLand Organisation
United Nations Mine Action Service

_______________

Answer

More information coming soon.

_______________

Answer

Room: E

To highlight how explosive ordnance contamination constrains early recovery in contexts where the full scope of mine action cannot yet be implemented, and to present adaptive solutions applied in Gaza under severe operational constraints. The event will showcase coordinated and integrated approaches combining enabling EOD, EORE–CPP, and victim assistance, demonstrating how these pillars work together to support humanitarian access, protect civilians, and enable early recovery efforts in a highly complex operational environment.

Participating organizations

United Nations Mine Action Service
Humanity & Inclusion
The HALO Trust
Norwegian People’s Aid

_______________

Answer

Room: F

Places, people and results in the spotlight rather than technical aspects of mine action. Provides an insight into the life and struggles of rural communities. Links clearance to recovery, telling the stories and hearing the voices of rural households and small-scale farmers through immersive video clips of mine action successes. Reviews rural community engagement and livelihood, production, and food security results through activities of the United Nations, civil society, and state implementing arms of Ukraine.

Participating Member States and organisations

State Emergency Services of Ukraine (SESU)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
Centre for Humanitarian Demining (CHD)
Ukraine Demining Association (UDA)

_______________

Question 10

Question 11

Question 12

Answer

- Ensuring safe and credible land release: Sri Lanka’s completion survey process and lessons learnt

Room: B

The Sri Lanka Completion Survey Process (SLCSP) is a nationally led, evidence-based approach to verify that previously mined or explosive-contaminated areas are safe for civilian use. Launched in 2023, it systematically assesses around 1,400 Grama Niladhari divisions using GIS-based mapping, quality assurance, and community engagement. The process ensures credible, transparent land release, supports APMBC Article 5 compliance, identifies residual hazards, and contributes to safe resettlement, livelihoods, and sustainable development offering practical insights for other mine action programmes.

Participating Member States and organizations

National Mine Action Center (NMAC), Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Sri Lanka
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
MAG International

_______________

- The Precision Paradox: Beyond Algorithms, the Ethics and Accountability of Marketing AI in Mine Action

Room C

This session addresses the "precision paradox" in humanitarian mine action, where overhyped AI marketing masks critical technical limitations. We aim to bridge the gap between "black-box" algorithms and the ground truth of the minefield by promoting transparent, human-centred AI development. This event targets donors, technology providers, and demining practitioners. Together, we will explore how a "One Humanity" approach ensures that technology serves as a consultant to human judgement, protecting lives through meaningful accountability.

Participating organizations

Subsphere Corporation

_______________

- From Contamination to Recovery: Mine Action as the Foundation for Reconstruction

Room E

This side event highlights how mine action supports reconstruction and recovery in post-conflict settings, emphasizing coordination between mine action, development, and urban recovery actors. It aims to enhance understanding of mine action as a key enabler of reconstruction, promote the exchange of practical experiences, strengthen cooperation between institutions and partners, and increase recognition of its role within broader recovery and development frameworks.

Participating organizations:

The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA);
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC);
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD);
Mine Action Review/Norwegian People’s Aid;
ITF Enhancing Human Security

- Advances in Animal Detection Systems (ADS): Technology, Management, and Updated IMAS Guidance (Apopo)

Answer

Room: B

The Sri Lanka Completion Survey Process (SLCSP) is a nationally led, evidence-based approach to verify that previously mined or explosive-contaminated areas are safe for civilian use. Launched in 2023, it systematically assesses around 1,400 Grama Niladhari divisions using GIS-based mapping, quality assurance, and community engagement. The process ensures credible, transparent land release, supports APMBC Article 5 compliance, identifies residual hazards, and contributes to safe resettlement, livelihoods, and sustainable development offering practical insights for other mine action programmes.

Participating Member States and organizations

National Mine Action Center (NMAC), Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Sri Lanka
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
MAG International

_______________

Answer

Room C

This session addresses the "precision paradox" in humanitarian mine action, where overhyped AI marketing masks critical technical limitations. We aim to bridge the gap between "black-box" algorithms and the ground truth of the minefield by promoting transparent, human-centred AI development. This event targets donors, technology providers, and demining practitioners. Together, we will explore how a "One Humanity" approach ensures that technology serves as a consultant to human judgement, protecting lives through meaningful accountability.

Participating organizations

Subsphere Corporation

_______________

Answer

Room E

This side event highlights how mine action supports reconstruction and recovery in post-conflict settings, emphasizing coordination between mine action, development, and urban recovery actors. It aims to enhance understanding of mine action as a key enabler of reconstruction, promote the exchange of practical experiences, strengthen cooperation between institutions and partners, and increase recognition of its role within broader recovery and development frameworks.

Participating organizations:

The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA);
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC);
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD);
Mine Action Review/Norwegian People’s Aid;
ITF Enhancing Human Security

Question 13

Answer

- Are we behind the curve - Drone-delivered explosive ordnance and mine action?

Room B
In a few short years, drones of all kinds have revolutionised how wars are fought. Mine Action has yet to catch up with the latest developments, especially when it comes to classification, reporting and training. The objective of this side event is to initiate a sector-wide discussion and garner suggestions about the best way to address the rapidly evolving challenges posed by drone-delivered explosive ordnance.

Participating organizations:

United Nations Development Programme (organiser)
Ukraine National Mine Action Centre
United Nations Mine Action Service
United Nations Office for Project Services
Global Clearance Solutions

- Addressing the Remaining Mine Contamination: Practical Lessons learned from Non-Technical Survey in the Republic of Serbia (Serbia)

- Mine action, counter-IED  and IED threat mitigation: Comprehensive and adaptive responses

Room: E

This panel will explore the key alignments and differences between mine action responses and counter-IED efforts. It will examine how each approach addresses strategy, planning, and operational challenges, particularly in contexts where humanitarian principles must be upheld while prioritizing the protection of civilians.

Participating Member States and organizations

Burkina Faso National Commission for Arms Control (NMAA) (TBC)
UNMAS - Somalia
UN Office of Mine Action and Police (OMAP) (TBC)
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Mines Advisory Group

- Ready to React: Humanitarian Mine Action in Emergencies

Room: F

Humanitarian mine action is increasingly relied upon as a life-saving component of emergency response, protecting civilians and responders in armed conflict and climate-related hazards. This session examines real examples of emergency preparedness and response spanning risk education, survey, explosive ordnance disposal, victim trauma care, and more. We will also explore coordination, conflict sensitivity, and do no harm. It is meant for operational agencies, coordination bodies, national authorities, and donors working in humanitarian response.

Participating organizations

Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS),
The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT),
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA),
United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC),
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)

Answer

Room B
In a few short years, drones of all kinds have revolutionised how wars are fought. Mine Action has yet to catch up with the latest developments, especially when it comes to classification, reporting and training. The objective of this side event is to initiate a sector-wide discussion and garner suggestions about the best way to address the rapidly evolving challenges posed by drone-delivered explosive ordnance.

Participating organizations:

United Nations Development Programme (organiser)
Ukraine National Mine Action Centre
United Nations Mine Action Service
United Nations Office for Project Services
Global Clearance Solutions

Answer

Room: E

This panel will explore the key alignments and differences between mine action responses and counter-IED efforts. It will examine how each approach addresses strategy, planning, and operational challenges, particularly in contexts where humanitarian principles must be upheld while prioritizing the protection of civilians.

Participating Member States and organizations

Burkina Faso National Commission for Arms Control (NMAA) (TBC)
UNMAS - Somalia
UN Office of Mine Action and Police (OMAP) (TBC)
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Mines Advisory Group

Answer

Room: F

Humanitarian mine action is increasingly relied upon as a life-saving component of emergency response, protecting civilians and responders in armed conflict and climate-related hazards. This session examines real examples of emergency preparedness and response spanning risk education, survey, explosive ordnance disposal, victim trauma care, and more. We will also explore coordination, conflict sensitivity, and do no harm. It is meant for operational agencies, coordination bodies, national authorities, and donors working in humanitarian response.

Participating organizations

Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS),
The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT),
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA),
United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC),
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)

Question 14

Answer

- Syria unsafe to recover: Mine action, livelihoods, and the cost of short-term funding

Room B

Syria’s widespread explosive hazards continue to endanger civilians and block access to land, services, and livelihoods. This session will explore how integrated humanitarian mine action can support recovery, self-reliance, and community resilience. It aims to bring together donors, United Nations agencies, and practitioners to discuss practical approaches and the need for predictable, multi-year funding to enable safe, sustainable recovery.

Participating organizations:

Danish Refugee Council, DRC (Syria)
Humanity and Inclusion, HI (Syria)
Further panelists to be confirmed

- Outcome based finance in Humanitarian Mine Action: Putting Theory into Practice

Room C

Given pressures on development funding, Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) must diversify its funding streams. Other sectors have benefited from using outcome-based finance to attract new funding. Drawing on two pilot outcome-based finance mine action projects in Cambodia (APOPO) and Syria (DCA), and the expertise of GICHD’s innovative finance secretariat, the panel will consider the potential for HMA outcome-based finance projects to attract additional funding from Governments and the private sector.

Participating organizations

United Kinddom, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
DanChurchAid (DCA)
APOPO
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

- Operationalizing the Mine Action–Development Nexus: Lessons from the Korea–Vietnam Peace Village Project

Room E

Using the Korea–Vietnam Peace Village Project as a case study, the event will examine the enabling factors that allowed mine action to be successfully integrated with development activities such as climate-resilient housing, community health stations, and climate-resilient agriculture. The discussion will highlight how coordination mechanisms, national ownership, financing modalities, and deliberate sequencing between land release and development investments can transform mine action from a standalone activity into a foundation for sustainable development. The event aims to provide practical lessons and replicable approaches for countries and organisations seeking to operationalise the mine action–development nexus in other contexts.

Participating Member States and organizations

Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC)
United Nations Development Programme Vietnam (UNDP)
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

- Navigating the minefield: data and strategies for protecting civilians and humanitarians from explosive hazards (AOAV / Humanitarian Outcomes)

Answer

Room B

Syria’s widespread explosive hazards continue to endanger civilians and block access to land, services, and livelihoods. This session will explore how integrated humanitarian mine action can support recovery, self-reliance, and community resilience. It aims to bring together donors, United Nations agencies, and practitioners to discuss practical approaches and the need for predictable, multi-year funding to enable safe, sustainable recovery.

Participating organizations:

Danish Refugee Council, DRC (Syria)
Humanity and Inclusion, HI (Syria)
Further panelists to be confirmed

Answer

Room C

Given pressures on development funding, Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) must diversify its funding streams. Other sectors have benefited from using outcome-based finance to attract new funding. Drawing on two pilot outcome-based finance mine action projects in Cambodia (APOPO) and Syria (DCA), and the expertise of GICHD’s innovative finance secretariat, the panel will consider the potential for HMA outcome-based finance projects to attract additional funding from Governments and the private sector.

Participating organizations

United Kinddom, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
DanChurchAid (DCA)
APOPO
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

Answer

Room E

Using the Korea–Vietnam Peace Village Project as a case study, the event will examine the enabling factors that allowed mine action to be successfully integrated with development activities such as climate-resilient housing, community health stations, and climate-resilient agriculture. The discussion will highlight how coordination mechanisms, national ownership, financing modalities, and deliberate sequencing between land release and development investments can transform mine action from a standalone activity into a foundation for sustainable development. The event aims to provide practical lessons and replicable approaches for countries and organisations seeking to operationalise the mine action–development nexus in other contexts.

Participating Member States and organizations

Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC)
United Nations Development Programme Vietnam (UNDP)
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

Question 15

Answer

- Gaza: Explosive Hazards in Early Recovery – Coordinated and Integrated Mine Action

Room B

To highlight how explosive ordnance contamination constrains early recovery in contexts where the full scope of mine action cannot yet be implemented and to present adaptive solutions applied in Gaza under severe operational constraints. The event will showcase coordinated and integrated approaches combining explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) – conflict preparedness and protection (CPP) – and victim assistance, demonstrating how these pillars work together to support humanitarian access, protect civilians, and enable early recovery efforts in a highly complex operational environment.

Participating organizations:

Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion
United Nations Mine Action Service
The HALO Trust
Norwegian People’s Aid

- Underwater explosives – past, present and future

Room C

Sea mines and other underwater explosives remain an overlooked legacy of past and current conflicts. Millions of tonnes of munitions lie corroding on the seafloor and in inland waters, posing risks to ecosystems, coastal communities, the blue economy and maritime security. Governance and responses remain fragmented and largely reactive. This side event will examine underwater explosives as a multisectoral challenge and explore risk-based approaches to monitoring, clearance and maritime security governance.

Participating organizations

Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Government of the Solomon Islands
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
JPI Oceans

- Protecting Children from Explosive Weapons: Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Mine Action in the Central African Republic (UNICEF)

- From Shared Contamination to Shared Solutions: Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam Addressing UXO Issues Together

Room: F

This session explores how Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam are working together, with support from Japan, to address shared unexploded ordnance challenges in the region. It highlights why cooperation among neighbouring affected countries matters and how practical exchange can improve survey, clearance, and future regional collaboration. The session is intended for national mine action authorities/centres, partners, and practitioners interested in regional approaches that can strengthen cooperation and improve responses to shared contamination challenges.

Participating Member States and organizations

ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC)
Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao)
Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC)

Answer

Room B

To highlight how explosive ordnance contamination constrains early recovery in contexts where the full scope of mine action cannot yet be implemented and to present adaptive solutions applied in Gaza under severe operational constraints. The event will showcase coordinated and integrated approaches combining explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) – conflict preparedness and protection (CPP) – and victim assistance, demonstrating how these pillars work together to support humanitarian access, protect civilians, and enable early recovery efforts in a highly complex operational environment.

Participating organizations:

Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion
United Nations Mine Action Service
The HALO Trust
Norwegian People’s Aid

Answer

Room C

Sea mines and other underwater explosives remain an overlooked legacy of past and current conflicts. Millions of tonnes of munitions lie corroding on the seafloor and in inland waters, posing risks to ecosystems, coastal communities, the blue economy and maritime security. Governance and responses remain fragmented and largely reactive. This side event will examine underwater explosives as a multisectoral challenge and explore risk-based approaches to monitoring, clearance and maritime security governance.

Participating organizations

Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Government of the Solomon Islands
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
JPI Oceans

Answer

Room: F

This session explores how Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam are working together, with support from Japan, to address shared unexploded ordnance challenges in the region. It highlights why cooperation among neighbouring affected countries matters and how practical exchange can improve survey, clearance, and future regional collaboration. The session is intended for national mine action authorities/centres, partners, and practitioners interested in regional approaches that can strengthen cooperation and improve responses to shared contamination challenges.

Participating Member States and organizations

ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC)
Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao)
Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC)

Question 16

Plenary Session 4

Answer

Reframing our Approach: Addressing the “Cost” of Mine Action Responses (human, financial, recovery)

Question 17

Closing Session

Answer

- Kazumi Ogawa, Director, UNMAS
- Amb. Tobias Privitelli, Director, GICHD

29th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors & UN Advisers

22 - 24 April 2026

Draft Programme

Wednesday 22 April 2026

Thursday 23 April 2026

Friday 24 April 2026

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