The 4th International Mine Action Conference on the theme “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements”, co-organized by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan, commenced in Baku on September 2.

Axar.az reports that Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, read out the address of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the conference participants.

In his opening remarks, Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said that following the end of the Patriotic War, ANAMA and other organizations involved in humanitarian demining activities, cleared more than 298,000 hectares of land and neutralized more than 260,000 mines and other explosive ordnance.

"Since November 2020, demining operations have been directly linked to the process of reconstruction of liberated territories and urban recovery. During this period, more than 103,000 hectares of land have been cleared specifically for residential infrastructure, allowing the creation of new settlements, complexes, schools, hospitals, public facilities and essential services for returning residents,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Nasar Hayat, said: “Approximately 57 countries around the world remain contaminated with landmines and remnants of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, which poses a grave threat to the safety, health, livelihoods, and peace prospects of entire communities. Women and children, as the most vulnerable members of society, often suffer the greatest harm.”

“Based on UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030 signed between the organization and the Government of Azerbaijan, we remain committed to supporting ANAMA. More efforts still lie ahead, requiring deeper partnerships and stronger international solidarity,” the UN representative added.

The conference, which continues with panel discussions, aims to raise the global awareness about Azerbaijan's landmine problem, strengthen international partnerships in humanitarian demining, and highlight the role of mine action in safe and sustainable recovery process, exchange of innovative approaches and best practices, as well as provide a platform for exchanging innovative practices and mobilize international support.

The 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku brings together over 400 delegates from 60 countries. Attendees include senior officials from various countries, representatives from international organizations such as the UN, representatives of national mine action centers, as well as officials of diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan.