From 2005, the General Assembly declared April 4 as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. In this regard the “Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise” SNCO, supported by the UNDP, organized “National Mine Action Coordination Platform” annual workshop on April 8.
The workshop was attended by the representatives of the Embassies of the United States, France, the People's Republic of China, Japan and Switzerland in Armenia, as well as Natia Natsvlishvilie, the UNDP Resident Representative and her Deputy Konstantin Sokulski, Giuseppina Grillo, the EU FPI Project Manager, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Armenian Red Cross Society, as well as the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, Economy, the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the representatives of the regional administrations of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Tavush regions, the UNDP, WFP, UNICEF, as well as representatives of a number of non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
During the event the Acting Head of the “CHDE” Eduard Petrosyan emphasized the role of the Platform in shaping sectoral policies and expanding international cooperation, presenting the directions of planned activities for 2026. He also emphasized the importance of projects implemented with the support of the UNDP and other partners, especially in the fields of hazardous area reduction and capacity building.
The priorities of the mine action sector, current challenges, and opportunities for expanding cooperation with international partners were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training courses conducted by the United States, as well as joint projects with the UNDP and Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
During the platform, an innovative demining training simulation module based on AR/VR technologies was introduced, which aims at increasing the professional capabilities and training effectiveness of deminers.
In conclusion, the importance of continuous cooperation and effective exchange of information (especially for the purpose of coordinating projects implemented in the regions) between the “CHDE” and Platform members was emphasized.
Eduard Petrosyan, the Acting Head of the “CHDE”, was elected as the Chairman of the Board of “National Mine Action Coordination Platform”.
