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.
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
20
Feb
ARMAC was pleased to welcome representatives from Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
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.
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.
15
Dec
Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
PRESS RELEASE
Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
Jakarta, 8 December 2025 — The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) today convened senior policymakers, development partners, and technical experts at the Regional High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in Mine/ERW Action in Jakarta, Indonesia. This pivotal gathering brought together ASEAN Member States and partners to deepen cooperation and align mine action with regional peace, security, and development objectives.
The opening session featured remarks from ARMAC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN—underscoring a united front in addressing the human and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across the region.
In her welcome address, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, reflected on the profound human cost of mine/ERW contamination and reaffirmed the region’s shared humanitarian purpose. She noted that ASEAN’s collective efforts are grounded in the dignity and safety of its people, stating:
“Today, we gather not only as institutions, but as a community united by one shared humanitarian purpose: to save lives, restore land, and uphold the dignity and safety of our people across ASEAN.”
Ms. Buth also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of China for its long-standing support to ASEAN’s mine action efforts, emphasizing that:
“China’s long-standing assistance—through training, equipment provision, expert deployment, and financial contributions—has strengthened national capacities across ASEAN and reflects a commitment rooted in shared humanitarian responsibility.”
Representing China, Mr. Liang Guotao, Director of the Department of Arms Control at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted China’s empathy and deep connection to mine-affected communities, noting that China remains committed to supporting ASEAN countries through material assistance, training, and expert guidance. He remarked:
“China stands ready to continue providing support for the realization of a mine-free ASEAN. Every family able to rebuild their homes and every child able to live in peace are the fruits of our collective efforts.”
In his address, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, reaffirmed the strategic importance of mine action within ASEAN’s broader political-security agenda. He emphasized ARMAC’s growing role as a center of excellence and underlined the need to sustain momentum under the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, stating that humanitarian mine action continues to reflect ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. He also expressed appreciation for China’s dedicated support since 2021.
H.E. Ambassador Shaharuddin bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, further underscored mine action as a strategic investment in regional peace, human development, and resilience. He called on ASEAN Member States and partners to continue strengthening cooperation and to pursue innovative and sustainable approaches aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045.
The Dialogue featured a comprehensive programme including a Strategic Dialogue Session on innovation, South–South cooperation, and resource mobilization; technical and thematic panels on regional progress, emerging technologies, and sustainable financing; and a study visit to the ASEAN Secretariat to deepen institutional cooperation and cross-sectoral understanding. Participants highlighted how mine/ERW action contributes directly to human security, livelihoods, inclusive development, and the goals of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.
Throughout the Dialogue, delegates reflected on the lived realities of mine-affected communities—children unable to play, farmers unable to cultivate land, and families living with uncertainty—and reaffirmed that mine action brings hope, restores dignity, and enables sustainable futures. The event also highlighted the importance of continued partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing progress toward a mine-free ASEAN.
ARMAC conveyed its deep appreciation to the Government of China for its sustained and transformative support; to all ASEAN Member States for their solidarity and trust; to the Royal Government of Cambodia as host of ARMAC’s Permanent Secretariat; and to Dialogue Partners, UN agencies, and technical experts for their collaborative contributions toward this shared regional mission.
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