Post by Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

#Jordan: Today is a historic day for the GICHD. We celebrated the opening of the first GICHD Regional Office in Amman, Jordan. In the morning, we signed an agreement with Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates which is the legal basis for our new Office. Together with the regional hub of our sister centre, DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, our Office will be part of the Geneva Centres in Amman and will cover our activities in the MENA Region. In Amman, GICHD Director Amb. Tobias Privitelli highlighted that lasting progress towards a mine-free future depends on strong national leadership. As the MENA region continues to grapple with widespread explosive ordnance contamination, he stressed that the GICHD's role is to support national institutions in building the systems, strategies and partnerships needed to protect affected communities. In the evening, an opening ceremony took place in the residence of H.E. Emilija Georgieva, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Jordan. In her address, she underlined how this milestone is a powerful symbol of Swiss commitment to peace, security and humanitarian action in the Middle East. His Royal Highness Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein, Special Envoy of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, stressed the longstanding partnership and friendship with the GICHD. "This presence in Amman will help strengthen the capacities of national institutions in the entire MENA region, including national mine action centres and partners, so they can lead their own response. It will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between countries of the region facing similar challenges." said Dr. Barbara Haering, President of the Council of Foundation, GICHD. H.E. Amb. Didier Chassot, Head of the MENA – Europe Division and Assistant Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation welcomed this important turning point. It reflects the longstanding partnership between #Jordan and #Switzerland. Guests also heard remarks from ali albsoul, Director of the International Organizations Department of the Jordanian MFA, and Amin Awad, President of DCAF's Foundation Council. For the GICHD, this event reflects the deep partnership with Jordan's National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation and the leadership of HRH Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein. We're grateful to the Government of Jordan, for welcoming this initiative. Lina Abu Nuwar will lead GICHD activities out of Amman. The new office will bring our global expertise closer to mine action operations as well as the people these operations serve across Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Gaza. Jordan, declared mine-free in 2012, offers proximity to affected countries, strong regional connectivity, and a deep commitment to humanitarian action. At a joint press briefing in Amman, DCAF Director, Amb. Nathalie Chuard, & Director Privitelli underscored the strength of the collaboration between the two Centres.