Every year, thousands of people - many of them children - are killed or injured by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.

These devices impede peace, hinder humanitarian responses and are an obstacle to sustainable, inclusive development. As countries race to rearm and insecurity mounts across the world, so do the devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods.

I echo the Secretary-General’s call to strengthen international commitments to humanitarian disarmament. Mine action is essential. And these efforts are now more crucial than ever.

In an increasingly fragile world, UNOPS is committed to the collective action needed to mitigate the threat of explosive ordnance, and supporting those impacted by the use of indiscriminate weapons.

For the last 30 years, UNOPS has been a key partner in global mine action efforts, providing practical solutions to our partners within the United Nations and beyond. Today, we support mine action in over 15 countries. Hundreds of colleagues work in field locations, and many are on call and ready to deploy on the practical tasks that are critically important.

My colleagues identify dangerous areas and make sure they are cleared of explosive hazards. They raise awareness among communities and aid workers about the dangers and risks of explosive ordnance, and they work with victims to respond to their needs. Their work saves lives and builds safer futures: As a result of their efforts, humanitarian convoys can deliver aid, civilians can return to their homes and lands and to their everyday lives. Children can go to school. People can work, use markets and roads again so that economic activity and development can ensue, and that peace can take hold.

Mine action enables core UNOPS activities such as infrastructure, early recovery, livelihoods. This link is more important than ever and UNOPS will focus on strengthening our internal collaboration to provide people in need with better practical solutions.

We have seen the impact of this work and we continue to see its urgency and relevance today. Twenty years ago, UNOPS worked with the UN Mine Action service to help make Nepal mine free following a deadly civil war. Land that was once feared was returned to communities, to be used for farming, for houses, and to be lived on, free of fear of mines. Today, my colleagues continue their amazing work in Afghanistan, Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Sudan and Yemen, among others.

With partners across the international mine action community, UNOPS is committed to protecting civilians from the devastating impact of explosive ordnance.

Together, we can build a safer, more secure future for all.