TURKPA attended the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action

On 30-31 May 2024, Deputy Secretary General Talgat Aduov took part in the 3rd International Conference on "Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safety and Green Future" jointly organized by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Zangilan and Baku. The event brought together more than 300 representatives from 75 countries, in particular, the leadership of the UN headquarters, representatives of international organizations, officials, specialists from mine action centers in various countries, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions. The purpose of the Conference was to hold discussions on ways to inform the world about the problem of landmines in Azerbaijan, strengthening international partnerships for humanitarian demining and mobilizing financial resources to reduce the environmental impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. The Conference, which started in Zangilan, began with an appeal to the international community by citizen Tamam Jafarova, who was injured in a mine explosion. Delivering a welcoming speech, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts Vahid Hajiyev noted that the beginning of the international Conference in Zangilan has great symbolic significance, because Agali village in Zangilan is the first settlement that was restored and where former internally displaced persons were resettled. In his turn, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs, Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev read out an address from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Conference participants. Hikmat Hajiyev thanked the Conference participants who had gathered to discuss the mine environmental problem and wished success to the Conference. Chairman of the Board of ANAMA Vugar Suleymanov drew the participants' attention to the need to increase international support for eliminating the consequences of the mine problem facing Azerbaijan. He also informed about the measures being implemented in matters such as serious contamination of fertile lands, flora and fauna, water bodies by mines and other explosive remnants of war and eliminating the negative impact of mines. The speeches followed by panel sessions during which participants discussed the emphasized the importance of integrating mine action with environmental restoration. It was noted that Azerbaijan is taking all necessary measures related to the integration of climate sustainability issues into overall mine clearance activities and the creation of a green energy zone in the liberated territories. The event participants were shown a video presentation illustrating the mine action, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts undertaken in Karabakh. The guests also observed the mine clearance process and were informed about Azerbaijan's activities in this area. Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Development Programme signed a declaration of intent on the sidelines of the Conference in Zangilan. On 31 May, the second day of the Conference included 3 panel sessions on the following topics: "Building National Capacities for Sustainable Environmental Rehabilitation", "Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future and Inclusive Transformation through Mine Action" and "Policy Integration and Advocacy for a Green Sustainable Development". The Conference concluded with the adoption of final declaration.