The Sectoral Working Group
The Sectoral Working Group (hereinafter referred to as SWG) on Humanitarian Demining is an advisory body at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. It functions as a unified platform for coordinating and aligning cooperation efforts in the field of humanitarian demining between Ukrainian governmental authorities and development partners (hereinafter referred to as Partners)
The SWG was established in September 2023. Since its establishment, the SWG has held three meetings: in September and December 2023, and in May 2024.
For more details on the SWG's rules of procedure, membership, and meeting minutes, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
Key Objectives of the Sectoral Working Group:
- Ensure support from Partners for priority needs and tasks in the field of humanitarian demining;
- ensure the effective use of the support provided by Partners;
- engage in high-level dialogue with Partners regarding humanitarian demining policy development;
- facilitate ongoing information exchange between the responsible Ukrainian government authorities and Partners.
Tasks of the Sectoral Working Group:
- Inform Partners about the needs, priorities, and tasks in the field of humanitarian demining;
- coordinate ongoing and planned project activities;
- involve Partners in the development of strategic documents in the field of humanitarian demining;
- update Partners on the results and plans of the Ukrainian Government in this field of humanitarian demining;
- ensure monitoring and analysis of needs and support provided by Partners regularly;
- coordinate joint activities to achieve planned outcomes in accordance with strategic documents in the field of humanitarian demining.
The SWG is led by three Co-Chairs:
 |  |  |
| Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine | Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine | Denise Brown, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine |
Japan will stand with and work alongside Ukraine until the last mine is cleared from Ukraine's beautiful land. Japan is ready to share its own experience, as well as the experience gained in Cambodia, where the country is actively involved in humanitarian demining," said Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine.
Since its inception, the number of SWG members has grown from 46 to 69 representatives, encompassing 48 countries, organizations, and institutions (including 5 Ukrainian government authorities).
The total amount of support provided and announced by Partners in the field of humanitarian demining has reached over USD 850 million (equivalent) for the period of 2022-2027.
Ukraine is currently the most mine-contaminated country in the world. Until we can declare all agricultural lands safe, farmers will naturally be unable to return to their work," said Denise Brown, UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine.
Results of the Sectoral Working Group's Work
- Since October 1, 2023, additional support announced by Partners has amounted to the equivalent of over USD 100 million.
- Over 40 bilateral meetings have been held with current and potential Partners to coordinate ongoing projects and align future actions in the field of humanitarian demining.
- Regular monitoring and analysis of support from Partners have been ensured.
- Proposals for specific tools for long-term cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining have been developed and presented to Partners.
- Partners have provided suggestions and recommendations for the draft National Mine Action Strategy of Ukraine.