New Delhi: India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety (IIFOMAS), an initiative of Horizon Safer World Foundation (HSWF), organized a Symposium on Mine Action on November 14, 2024, in New Delhi. Themed “Mine Action: Pathways to a Safer World,” the Symposium brought together global leaders, humanitarian organizations, and experts to advance discussions on mine action and reaffirm India’s contributions to demining and post-conflict rehabilitation efforts worldwide.
Founded in 2001, the Horizon Group has actively promoted post-conflict environment management, with a track record of clearing over 125 million square meters of landmine- and UXO-contaminated land in nations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Kuwait. To date, Horizon Group has disposed of more than 150,000 hazardous devices, underscoring its commitment to global safety and stability.
India’s involvement in mine action dates back to key operations in Sri Lanka in 2003 and continues through its support of UN peacekeeping efforts. The Horizon Safer World Foundation’s activities across diverse regions have not only reinforced India’s global standing but also reflect the nation’s commitment to humanitarian causes and the pursuit of a world free from the remnants of war.
The event, supported by India’s leading think tanks on the subject, India Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and Center for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) featured engaging panel discussions, expert talks, and an exhibition of cutting-edge demining technologies. The gathering facilitated knowledge exchange among representatives from mine-affected countries, think tanks, and international organizations, focusing on expanding India’s role in humanitarian mine clearance and reinforcing its commitment to peace and stability.
Highlights of the Event
The event commenced with Opening Remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC. In his address, he highlighted the importance of increased collaboration in humanitarian demining and emphasized the value of leveraging the expertise of Indian veterans in this field. He praised Horizon for its dedicated work in humanitarian demining and their commitment to the “mission for a safer world”. Messages from Ms Mélanie Régimbal, Chief, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and Dr. Anupam Ray, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament were also delivered durin the event.
Col Navneet MP Mittal, Chairman and Co-founder Horizon group, who is the pioneer of Humanitirian Demining in India, delivered the Keynote address. He shared his valuable insights on the evolution of Mine Action, present global situation and future scenario.
Expert talks on Mine Action from the lens of Disarmament and India’s perspective in Global Mine Action were delivered. The event also had two panel discussions Panel Discussions by eminent panelists on the Global Scenario in Mine Action and Way forward for India in Mine Action.
An excellently organized event that highlighted the critical need for public awareness about landmines, along with the challenges of demilitarization, environmental risks, infrastructure, research and development, and the importance of international collaboration in humanitarian efforts.
The symposium underscored the humanitarian and socioeconomic impact of mine action, emphasizing the need for victim assistance, community rehabilitation, and robust international collaboration. Participants highlighted India’s vital contributions to peacekeeping and mine action, with a focus on advancing safety, development, and post-conflict recovery in affected regions.
The Symposium was attended by over 150 participants from various sectors, including leading think tanks, representatives of mine-affected countries, international humanitarian organizations, and leading NGOs. The event’s success has set the stage for future initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability and development in conflict zones worldwide.
