Blog

15 Dec
As part of the Regional High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in Mine/ERW Action
As part of the Regional High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in Mine/ERW Action, Plenary Session 2 brought together ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and international organisations for a strategic dialogue on advancing cooperation and innovation toward a mine-free and resilient ASEAN.
The session was moderated by H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), who guided a constructive exchange centred on ASEAN solidarity, innovation, and shared responsibility.
A key highlight from the presentation by Ms. Yan Run, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, who shared China’s extensive experience in humanitarian mine action. The presentation highlighted China’s long-standing commitment to capacity building and professional training, tailored equipment and technology support, a people-centred approach to victim assistance, and the value of South–South cooperation with ASEAN.
The plenary brought together expertise from both mine-affected and non-affected ASEAN Member States, as well as partners beyond the region. The panel discussion featured senior representatives and technical leaders, including:
• H.E. Mr. Shaharuddin bin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia
• Mr. Le Quang Hop, Deputy Director General, Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC)
• Mr. Elnur Gasimov, Senior Official, Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA)
• Mr. Steinar Essen, Global Mine Action and Development Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Panelists shared national and global perspectives, reinforcing the importance of regional learning, cross-regional cooperation, innovation, and long-term partnerships in addressing mine/ERW challenges.
Key themes emerging from the session included:
  • Mine/ERW action as a critical enabler of regional peace, security, and sustainable development
  • The importance of strong national ownership, supported by regional coordination, with ARMAC serving as a key ASEAN platform
  •  The role of innovation, technology, and information management in accelerating clearance and strengthening victim assistance
  •  The need for inclusive partnerships and diversified, sustainable financing to support long-term progress toward a mine-free ASEAN
The session concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose — reaffirming that progress toward a mine-free ASEAN depends on collective action, trusted partnerships, and sustained commitment. ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers and panelists, and expresses deep gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China for its continued partnership and support in making this Dialogue possible.
The full Plenary Session 2 Summary Report is available on the ARMAC website: www.aseanmineaction.org
Together, we turn shared responsibility into safer futures.
29 Nov
ARMAC convened the 1st Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting this week
The meeting was held in a hybrid format, bringing together Steering Committee representatives from all ASEAN Member States.
This session marks an important step toward strengthening ARMAC’s institutional framework and enhancing our effectiveness in supporting humanitarian mine action efforts across the region.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, H.E. Shaharuddin Onn, for presiding over the meeting, and we deeply value the active engagement and contributions of all Steering Committee Members from the 11 countries.
ARMAC remains committed to working closely with our ASEAN Member States and partners to ensure that our work continues to reflect regional priorities, operational needs, and the principles of the ASEAN Charter.
22 Oct
3rd High-Level Meeting

Objective:

  1. Review Regional Progress and Challenges: Assess the achievements and persistent gaps in mine/ERW action across ASEAN.
  2. Mobilize Resources and Financing: Explore innovative financing models, including private sector engagement and non-traditional donors.
  3. Strengthen ASEAN–China Cooperation: Highlight the partnership’s role in advancing peace, security, and humanitarian assistance within ASEAN centrality. Underscore China’s leadership in supporting ASEAN humanitarian mine action, aligning with its principles of equality, mutual benefit, and non-conditional assistance.
  4. Institutional Linkages: Create stronger connections between ARMAC and ASEAN entities to integrate mine action into regional strategies.
  5. Promote South–South Cooperation: Position ASEAN as a hub of knowledge-sharing and best practices for other regions facing similar challenges.
18 Oct
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of welcoming H.E. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of welcoming H.E. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, on his courtesy visit to ARMAC.
The delegation also included Mr. Nobuo Mori, First Secretary of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, and Mr. Ikehara Kiichi, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
During the visit, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, expressed sincere appreciation for Japan’s longstanding partnership and leadership in advancing peacebuilding, human security, and inclusive development across ASEAN. The meeting provided an opportunity to share ARMAC’s ongoing regional initiatives and explore potential areas of collaboration in humanitarian mine action.
ARMAC looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with Japan in support of ASEAN’s shared vision of a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred community by 2045.
02 Sep
ARMAC at the 17th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASCCO)
ARMAC at the 17th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASCCO)
ARMAC was honored to participate in the 17th ASCCO, chaired by H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Political-Security Community.
The Conference gathered ASEAN SOM Leaders, Chairs of APSC Sectoral Bodies, ASEAN Organs, and Associated Entities, including ARMAC, to review progress on the implementation and end-term review of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
In line with ARMAC’s mandate and ASEAN’s priorities, we highlighted our contributions to the Blueprint through:
🔹 Advancing victim assistance and psychosocial support initiatives
🔹 Strengthening regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in mine action
🔹 Promoting inclusive and innovative approaches that link mine action to sustainable development
As ASEAN charts its path towards Vision 2045, ARMAC reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, collective resilience, and a safe, resilient, and mine-free ASEAN Community.
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