National Authority for Mine Action held a meeting to assess progress

More than 60 countries and international organisations: the annual conference on mine action in Ukraine has started in Lausanne (UMAC 2024). The conference brought together a record number of participants for a detailed discussion of progress and priorities in humanitarian demining of Ukraine.

"More than 60 countries and international organisations gathering in Lausanne for a conference on Ukraine's mine contamination — this is an unprecedented level of attention to the issue. It demonstrates the global understanding that humanitarian demining of Ukraine is not only Ukraine's task but a challenge for the entire world," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

The conference programme included plenary sessions, panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and an exhibition of demining technologies. Key topics covered the progress of the National Mine Action Strategy, the scaling of capacity, innovative technologies, and financing mechanisms.

"Over the past year, Ukraine has achieved significant results — the number of operators has grown from 6 to dozens, the number of sappers has exceeded 4,000, and several Ukrainian demining machines have been developed and certified. But the challenges remain enormous, and we need the continued support of our partners," noted Svyrydenko.

International partners participating in the conference announced new commitments to finance humanitarian demining. Several countries pledged additional funding, and international organisations presented new programmes.

"Switzerland is honoured to host this important conference. Humanitarian demining is a critical precondition for Ukraine's recovery, and we remain committed to supporting this effort," stated the Swiss representative.

UMAC 2024 in Lausanne became the second annual conference dedicated to humanitarian demining of Ukraine, following the first UMAC in Zagreb, Croatia. The conference format has become an important coordination mechanism for international support.