The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) in partnership with Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) organized a 10-day training course for Mine Action Operational Managers. The course aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of Mine Action staff with objectives to 1) confirm understanding of the governance and liability concepts applied to MA operations including IMAS, its relationship with NMAS and organizational SOPs; 2) apply effective and efficient operational planning and implementation of MA survey and clearance operations; 3) Develop leadership and management good practices through the provision of individual tool sets and the enhancement of personal leadership styles; and 4) improve the ability of personnel to communicate with and influence staff at the operational level. 26, of whom 7 are women, Mine Action Managers from 12 organizations in the ASEAN region were selected to attend the course.

The course is delivered in a classroom setting, with a number of interactive group exercises, practical elements, inclusive and interactive as well as enabling peer-led knowledge-sharing and reflective learning, through Q&A and simulation exercises.

Presiding over the opening ceremony of the course was H.E. Mr. Rachmat Budiman, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand, representing the Chair of the Steering Committee of ARMAC and joined by ARMAC Executive Director Mr. Prum Suonpraseth, Director General of Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) Gen. Suphathat Narindrabhakdi and GICHD Team represented by its Division Head, Mr. Amen Harutyunyan.