A delegation led by Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), participated in the 29th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers organized by the United Nations Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) in Geneva.

The side event organized by ANAMA within the framework of the international meeting on the topic “From contamination to recovery: Mine action as the foundation of Reconstruction” was attended as panelist by the representative of the Agency, the Director of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center and the representative of the international NGO “ITF Enhancing Human Security” from Slovenia.

Delivering the opening speech at the event, Samir Poladov stated that humanitarian demining is not only an activity that ensures human safety, but also a fundamental activity for recovery and reconstruction. He noted that without mine clearance, reconstruction is not possible, and without a safe environment, return cannot take place. He further highlighted that this challenge is not unique to Azerbaijan, but is faced by many mine-affected countries worldwide. Addressing the global landmine problem requires not only national efforts, but also sustained international support, strong partnerships, and the exchange of expertise.

Within the framework of the event, panel discussions were held on ensuring safe mine clearance for reconstruction and return, regional cooperation and recovery practices in mine action, as well as international partnerships in this field.

During the side event, a presentation was delivered on the landmine contamination challenges faced by Azerbaijan and the efforts undertaken to address them.