UNDP and ANAMA signed the Statement of Intent on cooperation in establishment of the International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in Azerbaijan

Baku, May 30, 2024. Ms. Ivana Jivkovic, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, the UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Europe and CIS, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan to participate at the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action jointly organized by UNDP and the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA). During the conference under the topic such as “Mitigating environmental impact of landmines: Resource mobilization for safe and green future” the Statement of Intent between UNDP and ANAMA on cooperation in establishment of the ANAMA-UNDP International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in the territory of Azerbaijan was signed.

Ms. Ivana Jivkovic highlighted the importance of resource mobilization as a catalyst for the collective mission to mitigate the environmental impact of landmines: “I am deeply inspired by the progress we have made in Mine Action thanks to the tireless efforts of many of you in this room. Your expertise, dedication, and courage have transformed countless lives and landscapes.”

In the frame of the conference, a joint press briefing was arranged for media representatives. The conference brought together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to collectively explore sustainable solutions, foster international collaboration, and discuss the ways of mobilizing financial resources for mitigating the environmental impact of landmine and UXO contamination.

During the visit of the UNDP Regional Director, a series of meetings with a specific reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mine Action and the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan was held with the national authorities. Ms. Jivkovic met with Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration. A very productive meeting was arranged with H.E. Ambassador Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, the Representative of the President on special assignments.