ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
03
Dec
Reflecting on the 5th Review Conference
A heartfelt congratulations to Cambodia for successfully hosting the 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, marking the first time this important event has taken place in the ASEAN region. This achievement not only highlights Cambodia’s leadership in the field of mine action but also sets a strong example for regional cooperation in addressing the humanitarian impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
During the five-day conference, ARMAC was proud to introduce the S.A.F.E. Chatbot (Saving All From Explosive Ordnance), an innovative AI-driven prototype designed to enhance Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) across ASEAN. It was inspiring to witness so many participants engage with the chatbot and test its potential as a life-saving resource, helping us move closer to our goal of a mine-free ASEAN.
We were deeply honored by the presence of distinguished leaders and stakeholders, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun, Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, H.E. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), H.E. Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Ambassador Tobias Privitelli, Director of GICHD, Prince Mired Bin Raad Bin Zeid Al Hussein, Special Envoy on the Universalization of the APMBC, and numerous ASEAN ambassadors, delegates, donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Your support and active participation in the conference reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing mine action and ensuring a safer future for all.
This event also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility in building a safer, more secure world. We look forward to continuing our partnerships and working together to make the vision of a mine-free ASEAN a reality.
Together, we are not only addressing the challenges of today but also creating a brighter, safer future for the generations to come.
25
Nov
SAFE: A Game-Changer in Risk Education!
Spotlight on SAFE Chatbot 25 Nov 2024 
SAFE: A Game-Changer in Risk Education!
LIVE from the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, ARMAC’s innovative SAFE (Saving All From EO) chatbot is stealing the spotlight!
Interactive. Multilingual. Accessible via popular messaging apps.SAFE is empowering communities with real-time guidance on recognizing and avoiding landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Delegates, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun and Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, have experienced SAFE in action at our booth!
ARMAC is proud to lead the way in using technology to save lives. Want to support this lifesaving mission?
Join us in scaling SAFE across ASEAN Member States!
Email us at: secretariat@aseanmineaction.org
21
Oct
AI’s Role in Mine Action: A Glimpse Into the Future
AI’s Role in Mine Action: A Glimpse Into the Future
Recently, ARMAC Executive Director Rothna Buth attended the Innovation Session in Geneva, which highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform mine action. The session explored how AI enhances efficiency, real-time risk education, decision-making, and resource allocation to address the challenges of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
While AI is not a substitute for human expertise, its integration with the skills of mine action professionals can lead to faster, safer, and more effective operations in conflict-prone regions.
We’re excited to share the media coverage of this important topic:
1. Cambodia Investment Review – https://bit.ly/3Y19cXZ
2. Jian Mei Zai Xian – https://bit.ly/3BEGOUd
3. TNAOT – https://bit.ly/3zWp5qM
4. INNEWS – https://bit.ly/3Bzc4nh
5. Khmer Times – https://www.khmertimeskh.com/…/ais-role-in-mine-action…/
Special thanks to GICHD for hosting this important event!
11
Oct
Celebrating International Collaboration in Humanitarian Demining!
Celebrating International Collaboration in Humanitarian Demining!
ARMAC proudly participated in the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 International Humanitarian Demining Training Course at the Army Engineering University of the People’s Liberation Army (AEU-PLA) in Nanjing, China, over the last two weeks.
Congratulations to Cambodia and Lao PDR for successfully completing the course! Your dedication to enhancing demining capabilities and regional safety is truly inspiring.
A special thank you to the People’s Republic of China for hosting this impactful training and for your continued support in advancing mine action efforts in the ASEAN region. Together, we are paving the way for a safer, mine-free future.
05
Jul
Inception Meeting, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Inception Meeting for The preparation of the Regional Workshop to Enhance Victim Assistance progamme in the ASEAN Member States
Last week, we had a productive inception meeting with the Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) to discuss the upcoming Regional Workshop on Enhancing Victim Assistance Programmes in ASEAN Member States. This important event is set to take place in Phnom Penh end of 2024.
The workshop will focus on:
Enhancing victim assistance data management Sharing best practices and innovative solutions Strengthening regional cooperation for victim supportA big thank you to our dedicated team members from ARMAC, CMAA, AKPMT, Exceed Worldwide, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital Royal , and Cambodian Army General Hospital.
A special acknowledgment to our donor, the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, for their invaluable support in making these initiatives possible.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to enhance victim assistance across the region!
10
May
Our Executive Director had the privilege of attending the 16th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (16th ASCCO)
Today, our Executive Director had the privilege of attending the 16th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (16th ASCCO) at the ASEAN Headquarters.
The conference brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, APSC Sectoral Bodies, and entities associated with APSC to review the progress of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025.
We were proud to contribute to discussions on preparations for the End-of-Term Review and shared valuable insights for the ongoing APSC Strategic Plan that will guide the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. We remain committed to supporting this collaborative vision for a secure and prosperous ASEAN region.
Photos Credit to ASEAN
10
May
Ms. Buth Rothna, Executive Director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Heng Sarith, Ambassador / Permanent Representative of Cambodia to ASEAN,
On the afternoon of May 8, 2024, Ms. Buth Rothna, Executive Director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Heng Sarith, Ambassador / Permanent Representative of Cambodia to ASEAN, at the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to ASEAN.
During their meeting, Ms. Buth Rothna and H.E. Mr. Heng Sarith discussed ARMAC’s ongoing initiatives and explored new strategies to further elevate ARMAC’s profile across the region. The constructive dialogue reinforced the shared commitment to fostering mine action collaboration and enhancing regional safety and development. Ms. Buth Rothna expressed her gratitude to H.E. Mr. Heng Sarith for his unwavering support of ARMAC’s mission.
05
Apr
ARMAC Marks International Day for Mine Awareness with “Rising Stronger: Building Resilience in Mine-Affected Regions”
Siem Reap, Cambodia – April 8, 2024 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), a center of excellence under ASEAN political-security cooperation, is dedicated to addressing landmines and explosive remnants of war across ASEAN Member States. ARMAC celebrated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action with the theme “Rising Stronger: Building Resilience in Mine-Affected Regions.”
This year’s theme symbolizes the collective commitment of the ASEAN Member States to confront the challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) across the region and beyond.
The International Day for Mine Awareness is committed to showcasing ongoing efforts and progress in mine eradication and highlighting the critical importance of resilience in areas impacted by landmines. It serves as a symbol of hope and action, aligning closely with ARMAC’s mission, guided by the leadership of Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth.
Held between April 3rd to 6th, the event gathered a diverse group of participants from the mine action community, including organizations specializing in mine clearance, landmine survivors, policymakers, and public supporters of mine action initiatives.
The four-day event, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, boasted an extensive agenda of activities. Highlights included internal discussions facilitated by ARMAC, tours of the APOPO Visitor Center, participation in the International Day for Mine Awareness event hosted by CMAA, visits to minefields being cleared by HALO Trust, a tour of the CMAC Peace Museum, and a strategic reflection session led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Sister Denise Coghlan.
The event also featured appearances by H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and
Chairman of the Steering Committee of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), and H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice President of CMAA and President of the Ottawa Convention 2024, representative of ASEAN memebers, representatives of Japan, Prince Foundation, among other esteemed guests.
Under Ms. Buth’s direction, the mission places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in the fields of humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal.
Ms. Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, stated, “In the face of adversity, we rise stronger together. Our dedication to mine action extends beyond clearing landmines; it is about cultivating resilient communities and creating a future untouched by the scars of conflict.”
Looking ahead, this event is poised to influence future mine action initiatives, fostering insights and strategic discussions among participants. It represents not merely a celebration but a critical juncture for ARMAC to push forward its objectives of ensuring safety, development, and resilience in mine-affected areas.
-END-
About ARMAC:
Headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ARMAC plays a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating cooperation among ASEAN Member States and various stakeholders to tackle the challenges presented by landmines and explosive remnants of war. ARMAC is committed to magnifying its impact throughout the region, furthering its mission towards a safer and more prosperous Southeast Asia.
20
Mar
ARMAC extend the warmest congratulations to the Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA)
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), we extend our warmest congratulations to the Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) on the successful launch of the Cambodia Mine Action Management Information System.
This significant achievement marks a pivotal advancement in mine action operations within Cambodia, showcasing a commitment to innovation and excellence.
We encourage all ASEAN Member States to draw inspiration from CMAA’s pioneering efforts and to continue striving for innovative solutions that enhance the safety and development of our communities. Together, we can achieve a mine-free ASEAN.
For further details, please refer to the original article [here](http://en.fna.asia/8563b).
08
Mar
Ms. Rothna Buth Appointed as the First Female Executive Director of ARMAC
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – March 7, 2024 – On the event of International Women’s Day, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) proudly announces the historic appointment of Rothna Buth as its new Executive Director. This marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this leadership position in the organization’s history. Her appointment, on the cusp of a day that celebrates the achievements of women worldwide, underscores ARMAC’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership in the realm of humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal.
Rothna Buth has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in her previous roles in humanitarian demining efforts in Cambodia. Her extensive experience, including impactful contributions as the Country Operation Manager for the Humanitarian Research and Development Program (HD R and D), Country Director for The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation and over a decade with MAG (Mines Advisory Group), has prepared her to lead ARMAC toward new horizons of excellence and effectiveness in mine action.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Buth expressed her gratitude and vision for the future: “I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the steering committee and the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I dedicate my appointment as a testament to the strides we are making towards gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. I am committed to leveraging my expertise and dedicating all necessary resources to advance our shared goals. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in mine action, striving to create a safer, more prosperous future for all.”
The outgoing chair, H.E. Santo Darmosumarto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, reflected on Ms. Buth’s appointment: “In Ms. Rothna, we find not just a leader but a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, a pioneer who shatters ceilings and forges pathways for others to follow. Her leadership comes at a time when our mission’s need is as pressing as ever.”
The incoming chair, H.E. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia, also shared his enthusiasm: “Today marks not just a transition but a historic milestone for ARMAC as we welcome Ms. Rothna Buth. Her appointment heralds an era where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated. Under Ms. Buth’s stewardship, ARMAC is poised to enhance its role as the center of excellence, driving forward our mission to alleviate the sufferings of communities affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war.”
ARMAC, headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, plays a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating cooperation among ASEAN Member States and various stakeholders to address the challenges posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. With Ms. Buth at the helm, ARMAC is set to enhance its impact across the region, furthering its mission for a safer and more prosperous Southeast Asia.
For more information about ARMAC and its initiatives, please visit the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center https://aseanmineaction.org/
-The End-
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