A meaningful reflection from recent engagements in Jakarta.
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
01
Jun
A meaningful reflection from recent engagements in Jakarta
Honoured to have met with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, together with representatives from the Embassy of Germany to ASEAN along with its delegation of GIZ and Vallon GmbH, to discuss ways to strengthen regional cooperation, innovation, and capacity development in humanitarian mine action across ASEAN.
The meeting highlighted the importance of humanitarian mine action as part of broader efforts toward human security, resilience, sustainable development, and community recovery. We also appreciated the continued support of the German Government and GIZ in advancing humanitarian mine action initiatives in the region.
It was encouraging to exchange views on South-South cooperation and how ASEAN’s partnership model can help address shared humanitarian challenges. ARMAC also appreciates the continued guidance and support from the ASEAN Secretariat.
Discussions also highlighted the value of innovation, technology, institutional strengthening, information management systems, and practical partnerships in supporting safer and more effective humanitarian mine action efforts for affected communities across the region.
As ASEAN moves toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, continued collaboration and collective action will remain essential in building a safer, more resilient, and people-centred region where no community is left behind, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to ASEAN cooperation through the work of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).
20
May
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
“Navigating Our Future, Together” — the theme of this year’s 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN captured exactly what the room felt like: a region thinking out loud about how to build ASEAN Community Vision 2045 together, through action that reaches people.
The Forum brought together ASEAN entities, centres of excellence, and regional partners — a rare moment to compare notes on how each contributes across the Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity pillars.
ARMAC was proud to take part in the panel “From Vision to Action: Contribution of ASEAN Entities in Advancing Community Building in Achieving ASEAN 2045,” moderated by H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Community and Corporate Affairs. Representing the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar alongside Mr. Raymund Quilop from the APSC Analysis & Monitoring Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, ARMAC spoke to something it believes deeply: humanitarian mine action sits at the heart of ASEAN’s human security agenda — and at the heart of resilience, regional cooperation, and inclusive recovery.
ARMAC shared the work that defines the Centre today — victim assistance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), regional capacity development, standards, information management, research and knowledge-sharing, and South–South cooperation. ARMAC spoke with real pride about the ASEAN Regional Victim Assistance Network (VAN) and the Victim Assistance Management Information System (VAMIS) — among the first regional victim assistance information-sharing platforms in ASEAN, designed to strengthen coordination, institutional learning, and people-centred support for the communities who need it most.
The conversation kept returning to a truth this region knows well: partnership matters. South–South cooperation matters. The experiences, lessons, and approaches that Member States share with one another are what carry resilience, recovery, and sustainable peace forward across the region.
Humanitarian mine action is about clearing explosive hazards — but it is also about something larger. It is about giving communities back their land, their confidence, their dignity, and their right to imagine a future on their own terms.
Photo Sources: ASEAN
12
May
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The Forum brought together ASEAN entities, centres of excellence, sectoral bodies, dialogue partners, and regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans across the ASEAN Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity pillars.
For ARMAC, the Forum provided a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow ASEAN entities and partners, exchange perspectives, strengthen regional networks, and reaffirm the importance of continued collaboration in advancing human security, resilience, inclusion, and people-centred approaches across the region.
ARMAC expresses its sincere appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat, GIZ, and the Government of Germany for hosting and supporting this important regional platform for dialogue and cooperation.
11
May
Strengthening partnerships beyond borders for a safer and more resilient future.
Strengthening partnerships beyond borders for a safer and more resilient future.
ARMAC was honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, and the distinguished Azerbaijani delegation to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat in Phnom Penh.
The visit reflects the growing friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan, ANAMA, and ARMAC, as well as our shared commitment to advancing humanitarian mine action, innovation, and South-South cooperation across ASEAN and beyond.
Through meaningful dialogue, experience sharing, and continued partnership, we move closer toward a future where communities affected by explosive ordnance can live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Together, we continue building bridges between regional expertise and global humanitarian action.
08
May
The 4th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting with the active participation and engagement of ASEAN Member States
ARMAC had the honour of convening the 4th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting with the active participation and engagement of ASEAN Member States, reflecting the continued spirit of ASEAN cooperation, partnership, and shared commitment within the region.
ARMAC would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Philippines, as current Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, for chairing today’s meeting and providing continued leadership and guidance to the ongoing process. We also wish to convey our appreciation to Malaysia for its valuable contributions and leadership during its previous Chairmanship, which helped advance and support the continuity of the discussions.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to all ASEAN Member States for their constructive engagement, continued support, and shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and ASEAN solidarity.
Together, we continue working towards a safer, stronger, and more resilient ASEAN Community.
27
Apr
ARMAC and APOPO Signs MoU to Support Regional Mine Action and Capacity Development
ARMAC and APOPO Signs MoU to Support Regional Mine Action and Capacity Development
GENEVA, 23 April 2026 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action and capacity development across ASEAN Member States, spanning information management and standards development, knowledge sharing and innovation, and the identification of priority cooperation areas in direct response to the needs of affected Member States.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in humanitarian mine action. By bringing together ARMAC’s convening role and APOPO’s technical expertise, we aim to support ASEAN Member States in building capacity, adopting new methods, and advancing approaches that place affected communities at the center of our work” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and APOPO will work together to strengthen technical capacities and training for mine action authorities and operators, support the development of standards and good practices, advance research and the use of new technologies, and facilitate regional dialogue and knowledge exchange to strengthen national mine action systems.
“APOPO is honoured to collaborate with ARMAC in supporting humanitarian mine action across ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we look forward to sharing our experience in innovative detection methods and capacity development, while working together to strengthen national systems and contribute to safer, mine-free communities in the region,” said Mr. Michael Heiman, Head of Mine Action Programs at APOPO.
This cooperation contributes to ASEAN’s collective efforts to address the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance, strengthen national capacities, and support sustainable recovery and development in affected communities across the region.
This MoU reinforces ASEAN’s collective commitment to addressing the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance and supporting affected communities, while contributing to a safer, more resilient, and mine-free region
27
Apr
ARMAC and Norwegian People’s Aid Sign MoU to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN
ARMAC and Norwegian People’s Aid Sign MoU to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN
GENEVA, 22 April 2026 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action across Southeast Asia.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between ARMAC and NPA Headquarters in Oslo, focusing on technical exchange, capacity development, innovation, and resource mobilization at both national and regional levels.
This new partnership expands on a 2021 country-level MoU between ARMAC and NPA, elevating the cooperation to the institutional level. It underscores the commitment of both organizations to address the humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) through partnership, knowledge-sharing, and regional cooperation.
“We are proud to formalize this partnership with NPA, a respected global humanitarian mine action organization. Together, we will strengthen support for ASEAN Member States and advance regional cooperation to build safer, more resilient communities,” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
“NPA is honored to sign this MoU with ARMAC, an institution at the heart of regional mine action efforts in ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we will share expertise and resources to help increase the protection of civilians from weapons, and contribute to stabilisation, peace and opportunities for development across the region,” said Mr. Rune Dale-Andresen, Director International Department at Norwegian People’s Aid.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and NPA will collaborate in the following areas:
• Victim assistance, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation.
• Technical expertise in land release, risk education, and national standards development.
• Training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
• Innovation and technology in mine action.
• Gender inclusion and regional cooperation in line with ASEAN frameworks.
This partnership directly contributes to the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 and the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, resilient, and people-centred region free from the threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
27
Feb
ARMAC and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Formalize Strategic Cooperation to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN
ARMAC and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Formalize Strategic Cooperation to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN
20
Feb
ARMAC was pleased to welcome representatives from Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
ARMAC was pleased to welcome representatives from Humanity & Inclusion (HI), led by Mr. Gilles Nouzies, Regional Director for Southeast Asia, and Mr. Rajib Dakua, Country Manager.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on regional mine action priorities, victim assistance, and strengthening cooperation in support of nationally owned systems across ASEAN Member States.
ARMAC appreciates HI’s continued commitment to humanitarian action and looks forward to further collaboration in advancing inclusive, sustainable, and community-centered approaches to addressing the impact of explosive ordnance in the region.
09
Feb
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) warmly congratulates the Philippines on assuming the Chairpersonship of the ARMAC Steering Committee for 2026
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) warmly congratulates the Philippines on assuming the Chairpersonship of the ARMAC Steering Committee for 2026.
We look forward to working closely under the Philippines’ leadership—guided by ASEAN’s principles of unity, consultation, and consensus—as we advance our collective efforts to address the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war across the region.
ARMAC also welcomes Malaysia and Singapore as Vice-Chairs of the Steering Committee. Their continued support, experience, and steady guidance will be vital to ensuring effective coordination and progress in the year ahead.
Together, under this collaborative leadership, ARMAC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing capacity development, and supporting ASEAN Member States in building a safer, more resilient, and people-centred ASEAN.
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