Can localisation help make mine action more inclusive and gender-responsive? International commitments provide an essential framework, but their impact ultimately depends on how they are understood and implemented at the national and local levels.
During the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, UNIDIR is co-organizing a side event exploring how multilateral commitments to promote inclusivity and gender equality in the implementation of the Convention translate into positive impacts at various levels: operational, normative and political. The objectives are to exchange cross-regional experiences from international and local organisations and to foster collective learning on the transformative potential of inclusive and gender-responsive mine action.
Key topics for discussion include:
- What do age-, gender- and diversity-related commitments in the Vientiane Action Plan mean for operators and governments?
- How can localisation be a driver for gender equality and inclusion in mine action?
- What are examples of best practices to integrate age, gender, disability and diversity considerations in mine action?
- How to consolidate progress on gender equality and women’s participation in the Convention?
- How to overcome challenges and politicisation regarding gender equality?
- Overview of recent developments to improve standards and make them gender-responsive.
Agenda
12:15 – 12:20 | Welcome
- Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of Programme, UNIDIR
12:20 – 12:30 | Opening remarks
- Alexander Kmentt, Ambassador, Austria (TBC)
12:30 – 13:15 | Moderated discussion
Speakers
- Tuqa Mohamed Hneadi, Diversity Inclusion Coordinator, Norwegian People’s Aid Iraq
- Oleluck Somoulay, Acting Chief of Human Resources, Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme
- Dominic Wolsey, Advisor, Gender and Diversity, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
Moderator
- Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of Programme, UNIDIR
13:15 – 13:45 | Q and A with participants
13:45 | Closing remarks
When and where
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 | 12:15–13:45 ICT | Lao National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Participants
The event is open to State representatives and stakeholders attending the Third Review Conference.
In partnership with
