Azerbaijan shares demining expertise at International Conference in Baku

Azerbaijan is set to play a pivotal role in global demining efforts, as it offers its growing expertise in humanitarian demining to countries facing similar challenges.

This commitment was reiterated by Nusrat Suleymanov, Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during his closing remarks at the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action, themed “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safe and Green Future,” which concluded on May 31 in Baku, Caliber.Az reports citing Azertag.

“Azerbaijan is eager to share its experience in humanitarian demining with others facing similar challenges. These knowledge and skills come at a price,” Suleymanov stated, underscoring the value and complexity of the expertise developed by Azerbaijan in this critical area.

Highlighting the ongoing human and environmental toll of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), Suleymanov remarked, “Landmines and UXOs kill people every single day regardless of their nationality. We call them seeds of death for a reason. They are killing human beings. They are also killing our planet. This is a major threat to our water, air, and soil, but also to our souls.”

With multiple conflicts continuing around the globe, Suleymanov called for a united front against the numerous detrimental effects of war, particularly the pervasive threat of landmines and UXOs. “Now is the time to unite and confront many ugly facets of war. Landmines and UXOs are amongst the most insidious of them. Of all the people in the world, those sitting in this conference hall today know they are a horrifying reality,” he said.

Looking ahead, Suleymanov emphasized the intersection of demining and climate action, especially in light of Azerbaijan's role as the host of COP29, the international climate change conference, later this year. “As a COP host country, we feel it's a must for us to bring together the two issues we believe to be among the most pressing globally: climate change and demining. We need to manage demining to contribute to climate change action,” he asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of international forums in fostering collaboration and progress on these intertwined issues. “As we look forward to the Summit of the Future in New York, WUF12 in Egypt, and then to COP29 in Baku, we are determined to confront this venomous duo by drawing attention to the sinister synergy between the two,” Suleymanov underlined.

Reflecting on the conference's outcomes, Suleymanov expressed optimism about future collaborations and advancements. “I believe the last two days were really useful for all of us, as we learned from each other and came to know each other better. We have got another opportunity to appreciate the seriousness of the problem, but also get reenergized because there is a way out,” he concluded. “I am sure we will get together next year to discuss what we have achieved in making our planet a safer and greener place for us and for the next generation.”

The conference brought together international experts, policymakers, and practitioners, all committed to advancing the global demining agenda and mitigating the environmental impacts of landmines and UXOs.