JOINT PRESS RELEASE

UNDP and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre Renew Partnership to Accelerate Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration on Mine Action.

Phnom Penh, 7 July 2025 — On Friday, 4 July 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical cooperation and knowledge sharing on mine action. This collaboration aims to support ARMAC’s efforts in promoting peace and security and reducing casualties from landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)  in affected ASEAN Member States through regional coordination, partnership building, knowledge sharing, and exchange of good practices in mine action—particularly in advocacy, clearance and land release, victim assistance, and risk education.

The MoU was signed by Ms Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia, and Ms Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, in Phnom Penh.

Ms Alissar Chaker said, “Over the past 20 years, Cambodia has made remarkable progress in strengthening mine action management, developing policies, legal frameworks, standards, and information systems for land clearance/release, raising public awareness and promoting risk education on ERW, as well as supporting victim assistance through improved access to rehabilitation, specialised services and livelihoods creation. The Kingdom’s hard-earned wealth of knowledge and expertise is invaluable to other mine-affected ASEAN countries and for strengthening peace and security across the region. UNDP’s mine action work, both globally and in Cambodia, brings hope and dignity to affected communities and landmine victims, linking mine action to broader development frameworks to ensure the sustainability of clearance dividends.”

Echoing Ms Chaker, Ms Rothna Buth added: “This MoU reflects the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and our shared commitment to a mine-free region. By combining ARMAC’s regional mandate and technical coordination role with UNDP’s global presence and development expertise, we are poised to elevate cooperation across ASEAN to new heights. Together, we will empower communities with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to transform legacy threats into opportunities for sustainable peace and development.”

This collaboration not only reinforces ARMAC’s role as a regional centre of excellence in mine action but also underscores the vital importance of inclusive partnerships in advancing ASEAN’s vision of a peaceful, secure, and people-centred community.

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For media enquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst at communications.kh@undp.org

About UNDP

The UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting governments, the private sector, and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources. It contributes to ending poverty and inequality, accelerating inclusive growth, strengthening good governance and peace, and promoting nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we help nations implement their solutions to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for people, the planet, and prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.

 About UNDP’s Mine Action Support

UNDP has been supporting Cambodia in mine action through the Clearing for Results project since 2006. Currently in its fourth phase, the project has contributed to the release of more than 384 square kilometres of contaminated land, representing over 12% of all land released, for safe and productive use by affected communities and infrastructure development, benefiting more than 1.2 million people.

This has been possible thanks to the generous support of the governments of Australia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Luxembourg.

 About the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) is a centre of excellence under the ASEAN Political-Security Community, established to address the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the region. Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ARMAC serves as a platform to enhance regional cooperation, promote knowledge sharing, and support affected ASEAN Member States through capacity-building, policy dialogue, and technical assistance. ARMAC collaborates closely with national authorities, development partners, and civil society to promote a safer, mine-free, and inclusive ASEAN Community.

Final_PR_MoU_UNDP_ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre