Switzerland to Host a Conference on Demining in Ukraine’s Post-War Recovery

On October 17 and 18, global leaders will gather in Lausanne for the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) to discuss the role of humanitarian demining in Ukraine’s recovery.

Co-hosted by Switzerland and Ukraine at the EHL Hospitality Business School, the conference aims to address the social and economic challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance left in the wake of the war.

UMAC2024 will bring together government officials, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to focus on the impact of landmines on civilian populations, the importance of partnerships in demining efforts, and how innovation is making mine action safer and more effective.

Switzerland’s President, Viola Amherd, will open the high-level segment on 17 October, followed by a technical expert session on 18 October. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) head Ignazio Cassis will also attend the event.

Ukraine is reported to be one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with nearly a quarter of its land contaminated by mines and other remnants of war. Switzerland has prioritized demining as essential to rebuilding the country. This approach aligns with the Lugano Principles established during the 2022 Ukraine Recovery Conference, which emphasized humanitarian needs and post-war recovery as central to achieving lasting peace.

Since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, Switzerland has allocated approximately 3.7 billion Swiss francs to aid those affected by the war. In 2023, the Federal Council approved a 100 million franc package over four years specifically for demining efforts in Ukraine. Swiss experts are currently active in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions, clearing contaminated land and supporting smallholder farmers and mine victims.

Earlier, the World Bank announced that Ukraine will require $35 billion to clear its entire territory of mines.