Day 2 Highlights | ARMAC–GICHD Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
11
Jun
Day 2 Highlights | ARMAC–GICHD Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
From Standards to Practice: Building Technical Clarity Across ASEAN
Day 2 of our regional NMAS workshop in Bangkok brought energy, dialogue, and tangible progress. Participants from across ASEAN engaged deeply with one of the cornerstone principles of mine action: All Reasonable Effort (ARE)—transforming this principle into actionable, national standards tailored to their contexts.
Key Technical Takeaways:
• ARE in Practice: Comprehensive sessions clarified how to apply ARE in Non-Technical Survey (NTS), Technical Survey (TS), and clearance operations—ensuring operational relevance and safety.
• Hands-On Collaboration: Delegates worked in national teams to define their ARE criteria and refine NMAS development and review processes.
• Drafting National Standards: Structured writing sessions supported by GICHD helped participants kickstart their own NMAS chapters.
• Quality Management: A critical end-of-day session addressed how QM systems uphold integrity, performance, and national accountability.
“It’s not just about aligning with IMAS—it’s about crafting practical, nationally owned systems that reflect field realities and promote regional interoperability,” emphasized a GICHD technical facilitator.
ARMAC thanks our co-host Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), technical partner GICHD, and the Governments of Canada and Switzerland for supporting this vital initiative.
Stay tuned as we continue shaping ASEAN’s mine action architecture to be more resilient, locally grounded, and regionally connected.
10
Jun
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | ARMAC Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | ARMAC Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
Bangkok, Thailand – 10 June 2025The energy is high and the conversations are impactful!
Day 1 of the ARMAC–GICHD Regional Workshop on National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) launched with powerful engagement, technical exchange, and renewed commitment from across the region.
- ASEAN country briefings – highlighting national progress, ongoing challenges, and regional opportunities
- Deep dive into IMAS and the Land Release (LR) process
- Interactive group exercises on treaties, national responsibilities, and the relationship between IMAS, NMAS, and SOPs
“National Mine Action Standards are the foundation of any successful national ownership. They ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness in the field,” said Mr. Tamanikwa. “
Workshops like this strengthen collaboration and regional capacity. With support from the Governments of Canada and Switzerland through GICHD, we are making a lasting impact for affected communities,” added Mr. Ziaee.
Special thanks to GICHD for their technical leadership, and to the Governments of Canada and Switzerland for making this regional effort possible.
We’re just getting started — and the momentum is real. Stay tuned as we work together toward a safer, mine-free ASEAN.
10
Jun
ARMAC and GICHD Launch First-Ever Regional Workshop to Advance National Mine Action Standards in ASEAN
ARMAC and GICHD Launch First-Ever Regional Workshop to Advance National Mine Action Standards in ASEAN
BANGKOK, THAILAND – June 10, 2025 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), has officially launched the inaugural Regional Workshop on National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Development, held from June 10 to 13 in Bangkok, Thailand.
This landmark event brings together around 40 participants, including senior representatives from ASEAN Member States’ national mine action authorities, international experts, and key stakeholders. The workshop marks a significant milestone in ARMAC’s mission to promote a mine-free ASEAN through enhanced regional cooperation and capacity development.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by:
• H.E. Mr. Shaharuddin Bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee and
Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia
• Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC
• General Saksit Sangchanintra, Director General of the Thailand Mine Action
Center (TMAC)
• Mr. Cainos Tamanikwa, Advisor at GICHD
“This is a historic occasion—not only is this ARMAC’s first regional workshop focused solely on NMAS, but it also represents our collective pledge to safer, mine-free communities,” said H.E. Mr. Shaharuddin Bin Onn. “NMAS are more than technical guidelines—they are life-saving frameworks essential for aligning national policies with global standards.”
The four-day program includes in-depth sessions on aligning NMAS with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), enhancing land release practices, and strengthening risk and quality management systems. Participants will engage in country briefings, interactive group exercises, and thematic presentations aimed at fostering harmonized and effective standards across the region.
Ms. Rothna Buth added, “By sharing experiences and aligning our approaches, we amplify our collective impact. ARMAC is proud to co-lead this effort with GICHD and reaffirm our role as a regional center of excellence in mine action.”
ARMAC extends its sincere gratitude to the Governments of Canada and Switzerland for their generous support to this initiative through GICHD, and to TMAC for their gracious co-hosting and continued leadership in humanitarian mine action.
This initiative aligns with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, reinforcing ASEAN’s vision for a peaceful, secure, and mine-free region.
For press inquiries, please contact:
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center
#29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh 120307, Cambodia
Tel: (+855) 23 221 354 / (+855) 23 221 364
Email: secretariat@aseanmineaction.org
End of Press Release
02
Jun
ARMAC Participates in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)
ARMAC Participates in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)
ARMAC proudly took part in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action, held in Moscow, Russian Federation. The meeting was co-chaired by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation, and brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners to exchange insights, experiences, and future plans related to mine action technology and innovation.
During the technical session on “Prospects for the Development of Mine Action Equipment,” ARMAC delivered a presentation on the evolving landscape of mine action in Southeast Asia. The presentation emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches and showcased innovative practices and regional cooperation mechanisms, including efforts to enhance interoperability, data systems, and the application of new technologies across ASEAN.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as the Co-Chairs—Lao PDR and the Russian Federation—for their excellent coordination and support in facilitating ARMAC’s participation and contribution to this important platform.
ARMAC’s participation highlighted the Center’s commitment to advancing technical exchange, promoting cross-border collaboration, and supporting the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. This engagement also reflects ARMAC’s growing role in connecting ASEAN’s regional expertise with global innovations in humanitarian mine action.
Together, we continue to move toward a safer, mine-free ASEAN.
19
Apr
ARMAC Highlights ASEAN Mine Action Leadership at NAMYO & ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025
ARMAC Highlights ASEAN Mine Action Leadership at NAMYO & ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025
On 16 April, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) proudly participated in the 2025 NAMYO & ECOSOC Youth Forum held in New York.
Representing ARMAC and ASEAN, Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth joined a high-level roundtable virtually, contributing perspectives grounded in ASEAN’s regional cooperation model for humanitarian mine action.
The side event, “NAM Youth Perspective: Regional and Global Cooperation in Mine Action,” convened young leaders, UN entities, and global stakeholders to explore pathways for more inclusive and effective mine action partnerships within the Non-Aligned Movement and beyond.
Ms. Buth highlighted:
– The critical role of inclusive, regionally-led coordination mechanisms
– The value of South-South cooperation, peer learning, and technical exchange
– The contributions of youth, women, and communities in sustaining mine action
– The imperative to link mine action with the SDGs, development, and climate resilience
As a center of excellence in mine action, ARMAC remains committed to promoting ASEAN’s values of peace, security, and development through regional leadership, innovation, and inclusive engagement.
We thank NAMYO, ECOSOC, and all partners for championing youth voices in global mine action efforts.
13
Apr
ARMAC at the 28th Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers (NDM-UN28)
ARMAC at the 28th Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers (NDM-UN28)
Geneva, Switzerland | 9–11 April 2025
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was proud to participate in NDM-UN28, a premier global forum for mine action, hosted by the United Nations and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
ARMAC’s Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, served as a panelist at the side event “Mines to Minds: Advancing Research, Innovation, and Technology in Humanitarian Mine Action”, co-organized by UNDP and ANAMA (Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
In her intervention, Ms. Buth highlighted ARMAC’s regional role in advancing innovation in mine action, including:
– Leveraging AI for Explosive Ordnance Risk Education through the S.A.F.E. Chatbot
– Strengthening regional knowledge exchange and collaboration
– Exploring the establishment of an ASEAN-based Regional Innovation Node for Mine Action
Participation in NDM-UN28 reflects ARMAC’s ongoing commitment to promoting a mine-free ASEAN by enhancing cooperation, advancing innovation, and aligning mine action with sustainable development priorities.
ARMAC extends sincere appreciation to the Government of Switzerland, the United Nations, GICHD, and all partners for supporting this meaningful dialogue.
Together, we move from mines to minds—forging pathways toward safer, more resilient communities across ASEAN and beyond.
15
Dec
The 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (13th ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA)
13-14 December 2023, Nanjing, PR China:
At the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia, ARMAC Executive Director, Mr. Prum Suonpraseth attended the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (13th ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA). The meeting provided ample opportunity for ARMAC to promote its regional mandates, enhance further cooperation as well as share its view on civil-military cooperation on humanitarian mine action in the region. The meeting also witnessed the handover of the co-chairmanship from Cambodia-PR China to Russian Federation and Lao PDR for the next ADMM-Plus EWG on HMA cycle 2024-2026.
14
Sep
Second Technical Working Group Meeting for the Project, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Capacity in Mine/ERW in ASEAN”
On 13 and 14 September, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of China organized the Second Technical Working Group Meeting for the Project, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Capacity in Mine/ERW in ASEAN”. The Meeting showcased examples of projects demonstrating cross-sectoral collaboration, regional cooperation, as well as innovative financing models which could be adopted for the mine action sector. The last day of the meeting was spent to developing draft proposals for submission to the High-Level Regional Meeting. A total of 35 participants attended the meeting.
04
Aug
Workshop on Strengthening a strategic approach to address the rights and needs of mine/ERW survivors
On 4-5 August, ARMAC staff participated in a 2- day workshop on “Strengthening a strategic approach to address the rights and needs of mine/ERW survivors, affected families and persons with disabilities in Cambodia” which was organized by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority. The workshop showcased current policies and programs, challenges, and recommendations to improve the delivery of victim assistance in Cambodia.
ARMAC supports strategic framework initiated by the relevant national stakeholders to ensure mine/ERW victims are given equal opportunities to access essential services.
23
Dec
Technical Working Group Meeting for the Project, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Capacity in Mine/ERW in ASEAN”
On December 23, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of China kicked off an online Technical Working Group Meeting for the Project, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Capacity in Mine/ERW in ASEAN”. The Meeting presented new technologies and innovations such as the use of digital EORE, environmentalism in mine action; successful country cases on maximizing impact and mobilizing resources; and best practices of regional cooperation and partnership within and outside the ASEAN region. A draft matrix on priority areas for enhancing regional cooperation and mobilizing resources for sector was the key output of the meeting. Thirty senior level officials and representatives from government ministries, bilateral donors, international organizations and NGOS, and UNDP participated. This is the first TWG Meeting for the PRC-funded project. The next TWG meeting is slated in the end of Quarter 1 of 2022.
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