In a significant announcement, Cambodia is gearing up to host the 2024 Ottawa Convention, welcoming delegates from 164 countries and international organizations in November at Siem Reap province. Ly Thuch, the First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), shared these plans during a meeting with Juan Carlos Ruan, Director of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Ottawa Convention at CMAA headquarters on January 16, 2024.
This event holds immense importance for Cambodia, as it will be presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet, who also serves as the Chairman of the CMAA. The Prime Minister has shown a strong commitment to Cambodia’s role as the host and has established an inter-ministerial commission to oversee the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit of the 2024 Ottawa Convention.
Ly Thuch emphasized the Royal Government’s efforts to garner support from partners, friends, the private sector, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success and smooth execution of the summit and related events. Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet himself will participate in the convention, underlining the gravity of the issue at hand.
The 2024 Ottawa Convention is a platform dedicated to addressing the global impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war, which have caused immeasurable pain, suffering, hardship, death, and disability worldwide. Cambodia’s role as the host nation underscores its commitment to the eradication of landmines and its dedication to finding solutions to the challenges posed by these deadly remnants.
As Cambodia prepares to welcome delegates from across the globe, it not only highlights the country’s significant progress but also its commitment to international cooperation in tackling critical issues like landmine action. The 2024 Ottawa Convention promises to be a pivotal moment in the global effort to rid the world of landmines, making it safer and more prosperous for all.
This event will serve as a testament to Cambodia’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity, showcasing its leadership in a crucial area of humanitarian and global concern. As the world comes together in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s historic and cultural treasure, we can expect meaningful discussions, collaborations, and strategies to advance the cause of landmine action, ultimately leading to a safer and more secure future for generations to come.
Source: Khmer Times
