ANAMA and the United Nations hold an international conference on humanitarian mine action in Azerbaijan

The First day of the 2nd International Conference on Humanitarian Mine Action, titled "Combatting Mine Threats - Path to Sustainable Development,", jointly organized by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the United Nations on May 25-26, will be held in Aghdam, followed by the second day in Baku..

This conference is a continuation of the international conference held on March 30 - April 1, 2022, on the topic of "Humanitarian Mine Action and Sustainable Development Goals." Its main objective is to draw the attention of the international community and stakeholders interested in mine threat mitigation to the scale and consequences of the mine problem faced by Azerbaijan. Additionally, considering the global nature of the issue, the conference aims to present the National and Global Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), which encompasses humanitarian mine action, and strengthen partnership and support in this direction.

The 2nd International Conference on Humanitarian Mine Action, hosted by Azerbaijan, is attended by more than 160 official representatives from 51 countries, including former heads of state and government, parliament members from various countries, the leadership of the UN headquarters, influential international organizations, institutions engaged in mine action, and diplomatic corps representatives accredited in Azerbaijan.

During the conference held in Aghdam, a film titled "A Lifetime Dedicated to Azerbaijan" was screened, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The event began with the testimonies of a mine survivor and a deminer, who suffered from mine explosions.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district), greeted the participants. He provided information about the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories and the efforts to ensure sustainable settlement in accordance with the instructions of the country's President.

Vugar Suleymanov, the Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted that the conference demonstrates global cooperation in combating the mine threat and creates an opportunity to develop concrete action plans that will lead to a mine-free world. He also emphasized the significance of humanitarian mine action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mentioned that Azerbaijan has established its national SDG for humanitarian mine action under the initiative of the head of state.

Vladanka Andreeva, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, spoke at the event, stating that the clearance of territories from mines for countries affected by mines including Azerbaijan, is a prerequisite for sustainable development and peace. She added that in order to achieve Sustainable Development, the path for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda should be free from mines and remnants of war.

During the first session of the conference held in Aghdam, discussions were held on the importance of humanitarian mine action and its direct connection to Sustainable Development Goals in the process restoration of infrastructure in conflict-affected regions, the safe return of internally displaced persons to their native lands, the establishment of lasting peace in the region, and the implementation of investment programs.

As part of the visit, the delegation visited the temporary headquarters of the Office of Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district) located in Aghdam, where they were acquainted with reconstruction and resettlement plans, as well as watched a football match played by amputee football players who were injured by mine explosions.

The delegation also visited the field of mine action where ANAMA operates, where they were provided with information about humanitarian mine action operations, demonstrated the neutralization of mines through controlled detonation.

Within the framework of the conference an exhibition depicting the life, creativity, and service activities of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was organized.

The conference is ongoing.