News

More than 140 participants from 26 countries gathered from 2 to 4 May in Vodice to attend the 18th International Symposium “Mine Action 2022.” The symposium was held in cooperation with the Directorate of Civil Protection, under the patronage of the Croatian Parliament and with The French Republic as this year’s partner country.

In the introductory speech, Ms. Katarina Markt, Managing Director of HCR-CTRO, specially thanked the Ukrainian delegation led by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Croatia Vasyl Kyrylych and the Ambassador of the OSCE Mission to Ukraine Henrik Villadsen, who, despite the war and aggression in their country, decided to attend this year’s symposium.

In addition to the Managing Director of HCR-CTRO, the introductory speeches were given by Mr. Valon Kumnova, Director of the Mine Action Program from the Geneva Center for Humanitarian Demining, HE Gaël Veyssiere, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Croatia, Damir Trut, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Protection, and Ante Bačić, Envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament who opened the 18th International Symposium “Mine Action 2022”.

Mr. Bačić particularly commented on the possibility of cooperation and assistance to Ukraine, by saying: “Croatia, which has gained its experience in a difficult way, can offer its assistance to Ukraine in the future in the form of knowledge transfer and expertise, but also by delivering the most modern machines and equipment from domestic manufacturers and setting new technological standards. “

The main topics of this year’s symposium, along with presentations dedicated to Ukraine, were – training standards, research and development of new technologies and presentation of best practices in the field of land release, on which more than 30 presentations of domestic and international experts were held.

The symposium was attended by representatives of international organizations, national mine action centers, demining companies, manufacturers of mine action equipment, donors, scientists and representatives of other civilian and military structures involved in mine action.

The intention of the 18th Symposium on Mine Action was to connect the real sector with science and industry by selecting topics and moderators, with presentations of renowned manufacturers of demining equipment, with the aim of improving and upgrading the mine action system.