News Source. NEW DELHI: The India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety (IIFOMAS), organized by the Horizon Safer World Foundation (HSWF), hosted a significant symposium on mine action titled “Mine Action: Pathways to a Safer World” in New Delhi. The event, which took place on November 14, 2024, aimed to advance global discussions on demining and post-conflict rehabilitation, while reaffirming India’s pivotal role in worldwide mine action efforts.

Over 150 Delegates Gather in New Delhi to Advance Global Mine Clearance Initiatives. The forum highlighted critical areas, including victim rehabilitation and infrastructure development for stability in post-conflict zones.

Ukrainian Peace Formula.

In the context of the practical implementation of Point 8 “Environmental Safety” of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, in particular in the field of humanitarian demining, the Embassy of Ukraine in India participated at the IIFOMAS and led a panel discussion “Global Scenario and International Cooperation in Mine Action“.

• Ambassador of Ukraine to India Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk presented to the participants of the conference the Ukraine’s National Mine Action Strategy for the period until 2033 and the Operational Plan for its implementation for 2024-2026.

• The Chief of Defense Staff of India, General Anil Chauhan, in his speech noted that today Ukraine is the country most contaminated by mines in the world, and the demining of Ukrainian territories requires significant resources and the support of the international community. The Ambassador emphasized that mine danger primarily poses a threat to the civilian population.

• Oleksandr Polishchuk emphasized the importance of involvement of India and Indian companies, which have significant experience and capabilities for carrying out humanitarian demining works in Ukraine.

IIFOMAS SYMPOSIUM 2024, 14 November, Manekshaw Center New Delhi.

• Opening Remarks by Gen. Anil Chauhan, CDS: India’s Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the importance of collaboration in humanitarian demining and praised Horizon’s dedication to the mission for global safety. 
• Messages from Global Leaders: Remarks from Ms. Mélanie Régimbal, Chief of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, and Dr. Anupam Ray, India’s Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, highlighted the global urgency of mine action. 
• Keynote Address by Col. Navneet M.P. Mittal: The Chairman and Co-founder of the Horizon Group, and a pioneer in humanitarian demining in India, shared insights on the evolution of mine action, global trends, and future strategies. 
• Panel Discussions: Experts engaged in two panels: one on the global scenario in mine action, and the other on India’s roadmap for advancing mine action initiatives. 
• Technological Showcase: The exhibition demonstrated advanced tools and technologies in demining, offering a glimpse into India’s innovative approach to post-conflict recovery. 

Humanitarian and Socioeconomic Impact . The symposium underscored the humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges of mine action, including: 

• Assisting victims and rehabilitating affected communities. 
• Addressing environmental risks and ensuring infrastructure development. 
• Strengthening international collaborations to bolster humanitarian efforts. 
• Experts highlighted the critical need for public awareness, investment in research and development, and international cooperation to achieve long-term stability in conflict-affected regions. 

India’s Role and Future Initiatives

• India’s contributions to mine action through UN peacekeeping operations, combined with Horizon’s initiatives, reflect the nation’s commitment to global safety and sustainable development.
• The symposium provided a platform to advance India’s leadership role in humanitarian demining, laying the groundwork for future global collaborations.

About

IIFOMAS (India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety) is a global initiative under the Horizon Safer World Foundation, dedicated to addressing the menace of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). As India’s premier think tank for mine action, IIFOMAS unites experts, governments, and international organizations to strategize, innovate, and implement sustainable solutions for mine clearance, community safety, and humanitarian aid.

IIFOMAS envisions a world where communities are empowered to rebuild and thrive in safe environments, free from the threat of landmines and explosive hazards, through collaborative and sustainable mine action efforts.

IIFOMAS is driven by a passionate mission forGlobal Collaboration on Mine Action, foster innovative solutions for landmine clearance, and advocate for safer environments worldwide through strategic partnerships, research, and policy development.

Col Navneet MP Mittal (Veteran) founded The Horizon Group in 2001, powering it as a pioneer and leader in global post-conflict environmental management. Col Navneet and his organisation have cleared over 125 million square meters of landmine- and unexploded ordnance (UXO)-contaminated land across several nations, including Sri Lanka, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Kuwait. The Horizon Safer World Foundation has been instrumental in removing over 150,000 hazardous devices globally, further solidifying India’s global commitment to peace and safety.

More information on IIFOMAS and The Horizon Group can be reached out at info@iifomas.org and https://iifomas.org/