The team of the “Atom” Charitable Foundation took part in the third Demine Ukraine Forum, which took place in Kyiv and brought together key national and international stakeholders of the humanitarian demining sector.
For our foundation, this forum was not just an industry event – it was a strategic platform where the future of the Ukrainian mine action system, partnerships, and long-term investments in community safety and development are being formed.
Participants of the panel discussion “International Support for Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine: Experience, Strategy, Impact” noted that humanitarian demining is the first and mandatory step towards the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Today, our international partners help not only with equipment and finances but also with experience, innovations, and the development of Ukrainian capacities.
Thanks to the assistance of partners, Ukraine has created a modern system: specialist training, technical equipment, standards, coordination, and digital solutions. The emphasis is on developing domestic production and training personnel, including veterans and women.
Canada is making gender equality part of humanitarian demining. It is their programs that have opened the way to the profession for dozens of Ukrainian women.
Switzerland is investing in digitalization, institutional development, and localization of production – so that Ukraine can become self-sufficient in the field of demining.
Norway supports long-term programs, operator certification, and sapper training. This helps create a sustainable system for years to come.
Germany emphasizes: demining is the “zero level” of recovery. Without it, it is impossible to bring people home and restart the economy.
Croatia shares the experience of a country that has already gone through post-war demining and helps Ukraine avoid mistakes. The main emphasis is that donors should be treated not only as financiers but also as strategic partners.
The main point of the discussion is simple:
Humanitarian demining is the foundation of community safety, economic recovery, and future peace. And the world is ready to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Participation in the forum gave our team:
- strategic guidelines;
- partner contacts;
- expansion of expertise;
- understanding of donor expectations;
- the opportunity to be included in international grant programs;
- validation of our gender-inclusive approach.
Our team includes women, veterans, and specialists who have returned from the front and continue to serve the state in a new capacity.
We are convinced: humanitarian demining must be inclusive, accessible, and safe for everyone who wishes to join this important cause.
We will continue to develop our capabilities in the field of humanitarian demining, support veterans and women, and contribute to making Ukraine an example of a successful post-conflict recovery model.
We thank the forum organizers, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine together with the Humanitarian Demining Center, for holding this event, which took place with the support of UNDP Ukraine and funding from the governments of Norway and the Netherlands, as well as all partners for the opportunity to be part of a professional community working on the most important thing – returning safety and a future to Ukrainian communities.
