The two Centres look for closer collaboration after previously having worked together in organising a series of training in the Southeast Asia region including Operational Efficiency in Mine Action (in August 2019, Cambodia), Gender Equality and Empowerment in Mine Action (in October 2019, Lao PDR), Risk Management in Mine Action (in December 2019, Thailand) and Quality Management in Mine Action (in September 2020, virtual format).

Further, both GICHD and ARMAC have joint the efforts in promoting explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) in the region, emphasizing exchange of good practices as well as integrated approaches in the region and beyond through communication and partnership with EORE Advisory Group and active participation in webinars and the international events such as relevant meetings/conferences of Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Convention on Cluster Munition and National Director and UN Advisor Meeting on Mine Action.

During the ceremony, the Director of GICHD, Ambassador Stefano Toscano, underscored “the MoU will help formalise and strengthen GICHD-ARMAC’s partnership in encompassing a number of areas of activity that the GICHD is committed to supporting: (i) promoting the use of International Mine Action Standards and good practices in Mine Action; (ii) supporting national authorities in drafting and adopting National Mine Action Standards; (iii) supporting the national training centres in developing their capacities and curriculums; (iv) capacity development activities in information management for mine action, explosive ordnance risk education and in integrating the Gender & Diversity perspective in programmes and training courses; and (v) other general support to mine action authorities and centres, such as development of national strategies, programmes and work plans.”

He added that the MoU is a new milestone that will further contribute to continued collaboration in achieving our common goals and objectives.

The Executive Director of ARMAC, Mr. Prum Suonpraseth, highlighted “ARMAC’s existence to support the ASEAN Member States in area of mine action aligns with GICHD’s expertise in and perpetual supports to mine action in the ASEAN Member States in need. Thus, ARMAC looks to strengthen its collaboration with GICHD through this three-year MoU – aiming to build community of practice and develop mine action capacity for strong regional approach to and efforts in ASEAN mine action.”

By signing this MoU, ARMAC and GICHD commit to work closer in facilitating collaboration and organising joint activities which aim to assist the National Mine Action Centre/Authorities in ASEAN.