(BANGKOK): On Tuesday (Jun. 10), 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 10-13 June 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:
- Shaharuddin Bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee and Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia
- Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC
- General Saksit Sangchanintra, Director General of the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC)
- 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 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.

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.

About ARMAC

Headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ARMAC plays a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating cooperation among ASEAN Member States and various stakeholders to tackle the challenges presented by landmines and explosive remnants of war. ARMAC is committed to magnifying its impact throughout the region, furthering its mission towards a safer and more prosperous Southeast Asia.
=FRESH NEWS