Director-General's remarks at the 27th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers

27th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors 
and UN Advisers, organized by the United Nations Mine Action Service

 Monday, 29 April 2024, at 9.30 a.m

Room D, Geneva International Conference Center (CICG)

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Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to International Geneva for the 27^th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN advisers in Geneva.

Mine Action represents disarmament in its most tangible form. As the Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmament, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for leading mine action programs and mitigating the terrifying threat of explosive ordnance.

I would like to express my appreciation to our host country Switzerland – a steadfast supporter of mine action globally – for sponsoring today’s meeting. I also thank the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining for organizing this event in close collaboration with the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action. And let me also thank the CICG for making its conference rooms and facilities available to the 27^th edition of the Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN advisors as we continue to renovate the Palais des Nations under the Strategic Heritage Plan.

Finally, let me welcome Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Mr. Lacroix.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world confronts a multitude of grave and intricate challenges. Persistent armed conflicts result in numerous casualties and widespread destruction, while millions still live in areas contaminated by explosives. Resources are being diverted away from humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development goals, as nations choose to rearm instead of disarm. Explosive weapons are being used in populated areas, which undermines the principle that parties to an armed conflict must at all times distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The profound impact of weapons on both humanity and the environment necessitates a comprehensive response, encompassing peace and security, humanitarian aid, human rights, development, and conflict prevention.

In his address on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April), UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the pervasive threat posed by mine devices. He called on Member States to ratify and fully implement disarmament treaties, including the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). 

Last year, your discussions focused on Climate and the Environment.  I am pleased to hear that the mine action sector is increasingly factoring environmental considerations in its work and that the sector is updating its international standard based on good practices. The impact of weapons on humankind and the environment is staggering. It is no surprise then that the UN Secretary-General plans to call for the universalization of the disarmament treaties within the Pact for the Future that will be adopted at the Summit of the Future.

The upcoming Summit in September presents a once-in-a-generation multistakeholder opportunity to address the current crisis of multilateralism. This collective action must gather actors across all sectors: civil society, NGOs, the private sector, governments, and the wider UN community to share knowledge and invest in solutions.

Today’s meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges the mine sector needs to tackle and to renew our collective commitments and efforts against these deadly devices. The overarching theme of this year, “Protecting Lives. Building Peace”, imparts a message of optimism and determination, leaving no one behind.

This year’s plenaries include substantive matters that cover the sector: food security; explosive ordnance risk education and resilience; national leadership; mine action in reducing the human cost of weapons and building peace; as well as innovation and collaboration.

With representation of 184 Member States, over 40 international organizations and hundreds of NGOs, as well as academic and research institutions, and private sector, International Geneva is a unique centre of collaboration and the heart of the multilateralism. Some 17 multistakeholder platforms, such as the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform or the SDG Lab in my office, build bridges between actors, resources and expertise, advance knowledge and ensure continued exchanges among their partners. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Progress is visible, but still much remains to be done. The Broken Chair on the Place des Nations, the symbol of anti-personnel mines and explosives, serves as a poignant reminder of our shared commitment to this cause. Let me take the opportunity to thank mine action organizations for their dedicated work in very challenging circumstances.

Disarmament commitments must not remain mere promises, but must translate into tangible action. Let us renew our dedication to turning these commitments into reality.

I wish you a successful meeting, and I hope to welcome you back to the Palais des Nations next time.

Thank you.