Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 8 – On the eve of International Women's Day, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) proudly announces the historic appointment of Rothna Buth as its new Executive Director. This marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this leadership position in the organization's history. Her appointment, on the cusp of a day that celebrates the achievements of women worldwide, underscores ARMAC's commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership in the realm of humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal.
Rothna Buth has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in her previous roles in humanitarian demining efforts in Cambodia. Her extensive experience, including impactful contributions as the Country Operation Manager for the Humanitarian Research and Development Program, Country Director for The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation and over a decade with Mines Advisory Group, has prepared her to lead ARMAC toward new horizons of excellence and effectiveness in mine action.
In her acceptance speech, Buth expressed her gratitude and vision for the future: "I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the steering committee and the Kingdom of Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I dedicate my appointment as a testament to the strides we are making towards gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. I am committed to leveraging my expertise and dedicating all necessary resources to advance our shared goals. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in mine action, striving to create a safer, more prosperous future for all."
The outgoing chair, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto, reflected on Buth's appointment: "In Rothna, we find not just a leader but a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, a pioneer who shatters ceilings and forges pathways for others to follow. Her leadership comes at a time when our mission's need is as pressing as ever."
The incoming chair, Laotian Ambassador to Cambodia Buakeo Phumvongsay, also shared his enthusiasm: "Today marks not just a transition but a historic milestone for ARMAC as we welcome Rothna Buth. Her appointment heralds an era where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated. Under Buth's stewardship, ARMAC is poised to enhance its role as the center of excellence, driving forward our mission to alleviate the sufferings of communities affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war."
ARMAC, headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, plays a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating cooperation among ASEAN Member States and various stakeholders to address the challenges posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. With Ms. Buth at the helm, ARMAC is set to enhance its impact across the region, furthering its mission for a safer and more prosperous Southeast Asia.
For more information about ARMAC and its initiatives, please visit the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center https://aseanmineaction.org/
=FRESH NEWS
(L-R) Mr. Tran Tuan Phong - Deputy Defense Attaché, Embassy of Vietnam to Cambodia; H.E. Mr. Cherdkiat Atthakor- Ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy; Ms.Rothna Buth- ARMAC Executive Director, H.E. Mr. Ung Rachana - Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador , Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chairman of ARMAC; Ms. Aye Thandar, Minister of Counsellor & Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; Ms. Emma R. Sarne - Charge d’Affaires (CDA), Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines; Mr. Teguh Adhi Primasanto - First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, representing H.E Ambassador, outgoing Chairman of the ARMAC Steering Committee.
(L-R) Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, H.E. Mr. Ung Rachana, H.E. Mr. Ung Rachana, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Chairman of the Steering Committee of ARMAC
H.E. Mr. Ung Rachana, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, served as the witness of the host country, the Kingdom of Cambodia, during the signing ceremony between ARMAC Chairman H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Ms. Buth Rothna on her appointment as ARMAC Executive Director.
