NEW DELHI: The India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety (IIFOMAS), organized by the Horizon Safer World Foundation (HSWF), hosted a significant symposium on mine action titled “Mine Action: Pathways to a Safer World” in New Delhi. The event, which took place on November 14, 2024, aimed to advance global discussions on demining and post-conflict rehabilitation, while reaffirming India’s pivotal role in worldwide mine action efforts.
Founded in 2001, the Horizon Group has been a leader in post-conflict environmental management, having cleared over 125 million square meters of landmine- and unexploded ordnance (UXO)-contaminated land across several nations, including Sri Lanka, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Kuwait. The Horizon Safer World Foundation has been instrumental in removing over 150,000 hazardous devices globally, further solidifying India’s global commitment to peace and safety.
ALSO READ: Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk aim to reshape government with Founders’ vision
The IIFOMAS symposium brought together key international stakeholders, including government representatives, humanitarian organizations, and mine action experts. Notable speakers included India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in humanitarian demining and praised Horizon’s efforts in clearing hazardous areas. Messages from Ms. Mélanie Régimbal of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and Dr. Anupam Ray, India’s Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, highlighted the international dimension of the cause.
The symposium featured expert talks and two key panel discussions focusing on global mine action challenges and India’s evolving role in addressing them. Col Navneet MP Mittal, Chairman and Co-founder of Horizon Group, delivered the keynote address, offering insights on the evolution of mine action, its current state, and future directions.
ALSO READ: Elon Musk cracks a joke, praises Democrats’ John Fetterman’s humour
Over 150 attendees, including representatives from mine-affected countries, think tanks, NGOs, and international organizations, participated in the event. The discussions underscored the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of mine action, emphasizing the need for victim assistance, community rehabilitation, and international cooperation.
The event’s success highlighted the continued importance of mine action as a critical aspect of global peacekeeping, with a shared vision of creating a safer world free from the remnants of war.