VUB Conference: What Are the (Environmental) Challenges of Landmines, and How Are Policies Addressing Them?
With Representatives from Mine-Affected Countries, Demining Experts, and Donors
On July 4, the Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will host the conference "Confronting the Landmine Challenge: Environmental Implications and Policy Responses." The event will bring together experts, diplomats, and policymakers to exchange field experiences and best practices. During the conference, new Belgian support for APOPO activities in Azerbaijan will also be announced.
Opportunities to Engage with:
- Anna Bouchier: Director of Partnerships for Europe, APOPO (HeroRATS)
- Xavier Depreytere: Innovation Project Manager, Odyssey2025, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (drone involvement in mine detection)
- Representatives from the Azerbaijani Embassy and Azerbaijan
- Slobodan Tadic: Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Azerbaijan
RSVP:
Please confirm your attendance by July 3 via or call +32 471 09 17 24.
Practical Information
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Reception until 2:00 PM)
Location: Promotiezaal, VUB Campus Etterbeek, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene
Language: English
Program
09:00-09:30: Registration
09:30-09:40: Welcome Address by Gunter Gaublomme, Director, Brussels Diplomatic Academy
09:40-11:00: Panel 1: The Context of the Landmine Challenge
Chair: Dr. Cailin C. E. Mackenzie, BDA
Panelists:
- Slobodan Tadic, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Azerbaijan
- Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman, Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA)
- H.E. Mr. Sakal Nong, Ambassador of Cambodia
- Ambassador/Representative of Colombia
- H.E. Dr. Bachar Brahim Adoum, Ambassador of Chad
11:00-11:15: Coffee Break
11:15-12:35: Panel 2: Confronting the Landmine Challenge - Experiences from the Field and Best Practices
Chair: Dr. Cailin C. E. Mackenzie, BDA
Panelists:
- David Cullen, Head of Unit, EU Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG-NEAR)
- Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman, ANAMA
- Anna Bouchier, Director of Partnerships for Europe, APOPO
- Xavier Depreytere, Innovation Project Manager, Odyssey2025, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion
12:35-12:50: Ceremony: Announcement of New Belgian Support for APOPO Demining Activities in Azerbaijan
- Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Representative from APOPO
- Representative from Azerbaijan
12:50-13:00: Closing Remarks
13:00-14:00: Reception & Networking
Contact
Dr. Cailin Mackenzie
Brussels Diplomatic Academy
Phone: +32 (0) 473 45 80 69
Sam Jaspers
