95% of operators are Ukrainian. Funding stands at 0.6%: a practical localization roadmap is needed

This topic was the focus of the 8th meeting of the Sectoral Working Group (SWG) on Humanitarian Demining under the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Participants discussed how to strengthen the role of Ukrainian organizations in the sector and develop practical solutions to support national capacity.

According to the estimates presented during the meeting, Ukraine already has more than 130 mine action operators. Over 95% of them are Ukrainian; however, Ukrainian operators receive only about 0.6% of international funding.

UDS took part in the meeting and joined the discussion on key challenges and opportunities for localization in humanitarian demining.

The event was opened by the SWG Co-Chairs — His Excellency Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine; Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine; and Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine.

Within the agenda, participants:

✔️ discussed the outcomes and next steps following the Mine Action Conference in Tokyo;

✔️ outlined challenges and opportunities for developing Ukrainian capacities in the sector;

✔️ discussed the development of practical steps and financial instruments to support Ukrainian operators;

We thank the organizers and partners for the constructive dialogue and joint efforts toward strengthening the humanitarian demining system in Ukraine.