Switzerland hosts Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 in Lausanne
The event gathers international experts to discuss people-focused solutions, partnerships, and technological innovations for clearing mines across nearly 25% of Ukraine's territory.
Switzerland is set to host the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 (UMAC2024) on 17 and 18 October at the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, according to a press release by the Swiss Federal Council. The conference, co-organized with Ukraine, aims to highlight the critical importance of humanitarian demining in Ukraine’s social and economic recovery.
The conference will bring together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and the scientific community. It will focus on three main pillars: people, partners, and progress. The event aims to put the civilian population at the center of the debate, highlight the benefits of partnerships, and showcase how innovation makes mine action safer and more effective.
Swiss support
As a neutral country, Switzerland does not provide military support to Ukraine or permit the supply of Swiss-made weapons. However, it supports EU sanctions against Russia and offers significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The press release notes that the Swiss government has allocated around 3.7 billion Swiss francs or $4.38 billion to support those affected by the war in Ukraine since February 2022. Last year, the Federal Council approved 100 million francs or $118 million over four years specifically for humanitarian demining in Ukraine. Swiss experts are currently active in Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts, checking and clearing contaminated areas.
Related:
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- Ukraine receives first batch of Japanese demining machines, more to come
- Swiss and Russian foreign ministers meet to discuss Ukraine’s peace summit
- Ukrainian-made demining vehicle receives approval for combat use
- Ukraine Peace Summit backs 3/10 points of Ukraine’s peace formula. What’s next?
- The Economist: Ukraine’s landmine crisis threatens global food supply
- Neutral Switzerland may jail its national for 3 years over fighting for Ukraine
- Firefighting robot certified for Ukrainian military for dangerous demining missions
- Ukraine completes second phase of sensor testing for humanitarian demining
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