Ukraine calls on partners to procure equipment and machinery for demining needs from Ukrainian manufacturers. This was stated at the III meeting of the sectoral working group "Humanitarian Demining" (SWG) by the co-chair of the group, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko.

"Our priority today is the development of Ukrainian production of machinery and equipment for demining. The economic policy of "Made in Ukraine," which the Government is implementing, is extremely relevant, including for the field of demining. The localization and development of domestic production of machinery and equipment will not only contribute to the faster solution of large-scale tasks for clearing the territory of Ukraine. This is important both as a contribution to current economic growth and for ensuring the self-sufficiency of Ukraine's economy in the future. We call on partners, during procurement of equipment and machinery for demining needs in Ukraine, to give preference to Ukrainian products," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

As discussed during the SWG meeting, this position of Ukraine is well-argued and has the support among partners.

Participants of the III meeting of the sectoral working group Humanitarian Demining discussed the entire range of issues in the field of demining in Ukraine. Key attention was paid to further strengthening coordination among all participants in the process.

As noted, Ukraine and its partners have developed mechanisms for interaction, both at the strategic and practical levels. Efforts are underway to develop directions and forms of cooperation that will bring the greatest effect. For example, the work of partners in niches where they have unique advantages, coordination of justified needs, digitalization of support and needs, mechanisms for long-term financing, and so on. The task for the future is to build on the achievements already made, continually improve the coordination process, and make it even more effective. Also, to implement various SWG developments into practical implementation.

As emphasized in her speech, Yulia Svyrydenko, synchronization of plans between Ukraine and donors remains extremely important. Currently, the final stage of approval of the Mine Action Strategy is underway, work is ongoing on the Operational Plan, which will contain specific and detailed tasks for implementing the Strategy.

"We strive to ensure the development of the demining sector based on a long-term vision, agreed upon by the Government of Ukraine and partners. The Strategy and Operational Plan allow us to better coordinate the priorities of the Government and the planning of partners. Thus, the assistance that Ukraine receives and will receive will be used in the most effective way possible. We are grateful to those partners who have already adopted multi-year support programs for Ukraine, and we are open to similar work with other partners," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

Also, during the SWG meeting, participants were informed about the key tasks for 2024, which the Ukrainian Government is currently working on. In particular:

Strengthening the capacity of state demining operators. Several thousand deminers in new units require training and equipment. Automation of processes. Joint work with Palantir Technologies is underway on a system that will prioritize tasks based on the greatest economic and social impact. Launching a market for demining services. Reclamation of agricultural land. Currently, a plan is being implemented that involves surveying and, if necessary, clearing or demining over 512 thousand hectares of agricultural land. As of early May, over 108 thousand hectares of land have already been returned to use. Recall that the sectoral working group "Humanitarian Demining" was established in September 2023. The group is intended to become the single platform for comprehensive coordination between the Government of Ukraine and international partners in the field of humanitarian demining. The co-chairs of the sectoral working group are First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda.

Representatives from approximately 50 partner countries and international organizations participate in the work of the SWG Humanitarian Demining.