Blog

08 Jun
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus),
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), established in 2010, is an ASEAN-led platform for defence cooperation, dialogue, and confidence-building among ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners on regional peace, security, and humanitarian cooperation.
Under this framework, the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (EWG on HMA) brings together Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste, together with the eight Dialogue Partners — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States — to strengthen cooperation, operational preparedness, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices and operational experiences in humanitarian mine action.
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate, together with colleagues from the ASEAN Secretariat, in the 17th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action and Final Planning Conference in Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation.
The 17th ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA was co-chaired by Lao PDR and the Russian Federation.
Over three days, members exchanged views on operational preparedness, humanitarian demining cooperation, military medicine, field coordination, technology, and planning for upcoming joint activities and exercises under the ADMM-Plus framework.
Throughout the conference, ARMAC had the opportunity to learn from the operational experiences, technical expertise, and best practices shared by participating countries of the ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA. In particular, discussions on “Best Practices in Military Medicine During Humanitarian Demining Operations” provided a valuable platform for the exchange of perspectives on medical preparedness, operational safety, and long-term recovery systems within humanitarian mine action, while also enabling ARMAC to contribute ASEAN regional experiences and lessons learned.
Humanitarian mine action is not only about clearing land. It is about protecting lives, supporting recovery, and building resilience in affected communities.
As humanitarian mine action challenges evolve, regional cooperation, operational preparedness, and shared expertise remain central to advancing safer and more effective response systems across our region.
Our sincere appreciation to the Co-Chairs, Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, for hosting this platform for dialogue and cooperation.
03 Jun
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) successfully convened the 5th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting.
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) successfully convened the 5th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting.
The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Ms. Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, and brought together representatives of ASEAN Member States to continue discussions on this important matter.
ARMAC would like to express its sincere appreciation to H.E. Steven Pang Chee Wee, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Phnom Penh for their generous support and warm hospitality in hosting the Meeting. Singapore’s continued engagement and support as Vice-Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee are greatly valued and contribute meaningfully to strengthening regional cooperation and partnership within ASEAN.
ARMAC also extends its appreciation to all representatives for their active participation, constructive engagement, and continued support throughout the Meeting.
02 Jun
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM),
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
As part of the session on “South–South and Regional Cooperation in CCM Implementation,” ARMAC shared ASEAN’s experiences in strengthening regional cooperation — particularly in supporting victims, promoting risk education, and building capacity across the region.
This workshop was a meaningful reminder that the impact of explosive ordnance continues to affect communities long after conflict ends, and that our response must be built on partnership, shared responsibility, and a strong commitment to people-centred recovery.
ARMAC expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Lao PDR for its leadership and warm hosting of this important regional platform, as well as to the CCM Implementation Support Unit and partners for their continued support.
Together, we move forward with a shared commitment to safer, more resilient communities across the region.
02 Jun
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was pleased to meet with the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN
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The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was pleased to meet with the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN to further strengthen cooperation in advancing humanitarian mine action in the region.
This engagement reflects our shared commitment to ensuring safer communities and supporting those affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war across ASEAN. Through continued collaboration, we aim to strengthen regional capacity, deepen technical cooperation, and promote meaningful knowledge sharing.
ARMAC expresses its sincere appreciation for the continued support and partnership of the Mission of China to ASEAN in advancing this important work. Together, we remain committed to building a safer, more resilient future for communities across the region.
01 Jun
A meaningful reflection from recent engagements in Jakarta
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
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