Demine Ukraine Forum: Summarizing Humanitarian Demining Achievements for 2024
Ukraine has significantly enhanced its demining capabilities over the past year, increasing the number of demining operators and machines manifold. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the second Demine Ukraine Forum, held on December 2 in Kyiv. By the end of 2024, governmental and private operators collectively possess 151 demining machines, with the number of deminers exceeding 4,000 individuals.
"We are grateful to all partners for providing demining machines, and their numbers continue to grow. At the same time, we are focusing on localizing and developing Ukrainian production. Ukrainian-made equipment, as well as machines by foreign companies manufactured in Ukraine, are already operational and delivering excellent results. We urge partners willing to support us with equipment to place orders specifically with Ukrainian enterprises. This would provide dual benefits: both for our economy and national security," said Denys Shmyhal at the forum’s opening.
Another major milestone of the year was the opening of the humanitarian demining market, allowing private mine action operators to join the efforts. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko highlighted this achievement while summarizing progress in the sector over the past year.
"To assist farmers, we launched a reimbursement mechanism for demining services, covering 100% of the costs. So far, 31 auctions have been held on Prozorro system, resulting in contracts worth nearly half a billion hryvnias. We achieved a reduction in the initial cost by over 17%, saving about 92 million hryvnias. This program will continue next year, with 1 billion hryvnias allocated for it," noted Yuliia Svyrydenko.
One of the government and Ministry of Economy's key priorities is fostering innovation in humanitarian demining. Emerging technologies, such as drones equipped with mine-detection sensors, have the potential to become game-changers in mine action. The ministry plans to increase grant funding for innovators in the upcoming year to further this goal.
According to Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, innovative technologies are not only transforming Ukraine's approach to mine action but also creating a unique model for the world to follow.
"UNDP in Ukraine, in collaboration with partners, will continue to strengthen the potential of such innovations, particularly Ukrainian ones, to ensure safety across all communities and enable people to return to their homes. Every square meter of Ukrainian land must become safe for living, working, and development," emphasized Jaco Cilliers.
The forum hosted over 350 participants, including government officials, international organizations, business representatives, NGOs, and demining experts. Thematic panels addressed topics such as the economic impact of demining, technologies and innovations in mine action, and the production of demining equipment.
The live streams of the forum’s panels are available at this link.
Partners of the Demine Ukraine Forum: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, PUMB, Kyivstar, Uklon, Starlight Media, American Chamber of Commerce, and the European Business Association.