Pledging conference for Mine Action, Geneva,
Statement by Norway
Delivered by First Secretary Kristian Svanes
9 March 2026
President,
Norway warmly congratulates Zambia on assuming the Presidency of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. We thank you for your leadership and reaffirm our full support for implementing our shared commitments.
The Convention remains one of the clearest expressions of humanitarian disarmament in practice. Tens of millions of anti-personnel mines have been destroyed globally, and countless lives have been saved by our collective efforts.
Even though these weapons should have been a thing of the past, we observe the continued presence and use of anti-personnel mines in conflicts show that progress cannot be taken for granted. For affected communities, mines are daily threats to life, livelihoods, and recovery.
Implementation must remain our focus. Completing survey and clearance, supporting victims, and strengthening national ownership are essential. Clearance frees land for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure; risk education saves lives; victim assistance restores dignity and opportunity. These tangible results demonstrate the Convention’s continuing relevance.
Support for global mine action is a cornerstone of Norway’s foreign assistance and our broader humanitarian protection efforts. In 2025, Norway supported mine action by approximately 530 million NOK (which amounts to approximately 55 million USD) in more than 20 countries. We are currently conducting a multi-year funding process for our humanitarian mine action engagement. While final funding decisions are still under consideration, Norway continues to uphold its steadfast support for humanitarian mine action.
Partnership is key. Norway works closely with organizations leading standards in survey, clearance, and capacity-building, and with national authorities and affected communities. This includes Norwegian People’s Aid, HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group, Humanity & Inclusion, and ICRC.
A strong Convention architecture is essential for transparency, accountability, and sustained progress. To this end, Norway will contribute NOK 500 000 which amounts to approximately 40 000 CHF to support the Implementation Support Unit’s core work plan and the Sponsorship Programme in 2026.
At a time when funding pressures and broader budget reductions risk hindering implementation, Norway continues to advance innovative financing for mine action. As Chair of the VTF Working Group, we are making steady progress toward assessing the feasibility of a possible Voluntary Trust Fund to support States Parties struggling to secure international assistance on their path to completion.
President,
Our shared objective is clear: full implementation of the Convention and a future where communities no longer live under the threat of anti-personnel mines. Norway stands ready to work with you and all States Parties to achieve this goal.
Thank you.