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.
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.
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.
16
Jan
ARMAC successfully convened the Third Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting
ARMAC successfully convened the Third Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting, chaired by Shaharuddin bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, bringing together TWG members for constructive and meaningful discussions.
ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to the Chair for his leadership and guidance, and to all TWG members for their active participation, valuable contributions, and continued commitment.
ARMAC remains grateful for the strong cooperation and collective efforts of all stakeholders in supporting ARMAC’s work and mandate.
09
Jan
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) successfully convened the 2nd Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting, held in a hybrid format in Phnom Penh and online
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) successfully convened the 2nd Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting, held in a hybrid format in Phnom Penh and online
The meeting was chaired by Shaharuddin bin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, and brought together around 20 participants, including representatives from 11 ASEAN Member States (AMS), TWG members, and the ASEAN Secretariat, for constructive exchanges conducted in a collegial and cooperative spirit—reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.
ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to the Chair, all TWG members, and the ASEAN Secretariat for their active participation, valuable contributions, and continued collaboration.
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