ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
27
Apr
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
ARMAC had the pleasure of meeting with the Canadian delegation
ARMAC had the pleasure of meeting with the Canadian delegation to exchange views on humanitarian mine action and future areas of engagement.
We appreciated the discussion with Ms. Joanie Boulay, Project Lead on Conventional Weapons at Global Affairs Canada, and Ms. Lauren Roy, Second Secretary and Vice-Consul at the Embassy of Canada.
We are grateful for Canada’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian mine action and its continued support for ARMAC’s regional mandate and affected communities. We look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation ahead.
09
Feb
ARMAC was honoured to welcome the New Zealand Embassy
ARMAC was honoured to welcome the New Zealand Embassy delegation to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat.
We appreciated the opportunity to discuss ARMAC’s initiatives and the way forward, and to exchange views on strengthening our cooperation. We extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Dana Avram and Ms. Natthanun Patcharapunchai for their engagement and constructive dialogue.
New Zealand’s continued support has been deeply valued throughout our journey, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership in support of humanitarian mine action and affected communities across the region.
06
Feb
Productive discussion with APOPO
Productive discussion with APOPO, exchanging views on humanitarian mine action, capacity building, innovation, and opportunities for collaboration in the ASEAN region.
We appreciate the open dialogue and shared commitment to supporting affected communities and strengthening mine action efforts. We look forward to continued engagement.
30
Jan
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) held a constructive meeting today with Chef de bataillon Arnaud Brunat,
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) held a constructive meeting today with Chef de bataillon Arnaud Brunat, Project Manager for Peacekeeping Operations and Adviser to the Director General of the National Peacekeeping and Mine Action Centre (NPMEC), from the French Defence Cooperation Mission in Cambodia.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on humanitarian mine action, including innovation and technology, information management, risk education tools, and capacity-building efforts. ARMAC values such engagements as part of its continued efforts to strengthen dialogue, partnership, and cooperation in support of peace and safety.
29
Jan
ARMAC was pleased to welcome the delegation from the South Sudan National Mine Action Authority (NMAA)
ARMAC was pleased to welcome the delegation from the South Sudan National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat for an exchange on mine action cooperation and experience sharing.
The delegation was led by Mike Rashid Fulla Obaldo, Director General of the National Mine Action Authority of South Sudan.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on strengthening nationally owned mine action systems, regional cooperation, and people-centred approaches to mine action and victim assistance.
ARMAC looks forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with partners beyond the ASEAN region.
23
Jan
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) proudly convened the 24th Meeting of its Steering Committee
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) proudly convened the 24th Meeting of its Steering Committee, with the active participation of ASEAN Member States, both in person and virtually.
This meeting served as a vital platform for Steering Committee Members to receive key updates, share perspectives, and provide strategic guidance in support of ARMAC’s regional mandate—contributing to a mine-free ASEAN and fostering sustainable peace and development.
ARMAC extends sincere gratitude to all Steering Committee Members for their continued support and collaboration.
In particular, we express our deep appreciation to Malaysia, the Outgoing Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, for its strong leadership and dedicated stewardship throughout 2025—playing a pivotal role in advancing ARMAC’s institutional development and regional engagement.
ARMAC also thanks the Royal Government of Cambodia, our gracious Host Country, for its unwavering support to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat.
Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing peace, safety, and resilience across the ASEAN region.
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