Prince Foundation Underscores Vital Role of Public-Private Partnership in Mine Action at Geneva Convention
Prince Foundation Underscores Vital Role of Public-Private Partnership in Mine Action at Geneva Convention
Senin, 01 Juli 2024 | 16:40
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention (center), chaired the “Private Sector Partnership Towards a Mine-Free World” dialogue during the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention held in Geneva, Switzerland. (Right to left) Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer, Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince Foundation; Mr. Robert Hwang, TAFTAC Deputy Chairman; Mr. Albert Tan, TAFTAC Deputy Chairman; and Mr. Andrew Tey, CGTI Center Director were part of the Cambodian delegation.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA -
Media OutReach Newswire - 1 July 2024 -
In a notable demonstration of effective collaboration, the Cambodian
public and private sectors have set a gold standard for working together
on mine clearance. At the recent Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in
Geneva, Switzerland,
Prince Holding Group, represented by its philanthropic arm
Prince Foundation,
highlighted its significant role in this partnership. Gabriel Tan,
Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince
Foundation, addressed international leaders and policymakers,
emphasizing the crucial role of private sector engagement in eradicating
landmines and fostering sustainable development.
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty,
is an international legal instrument that prohibits the development,
production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines. A
United Nations-facilitated forum, 164 countries have currently committed
to the treaty.
The convention brought together international leaders, policymakers, and
experts to discuss the ongoing challenges and advancements in mine
action. For the first time, representatives from private companies that
have contributed to humanitarian demining participated in this platform,
making a significant impact. Mr. Tan's participation underscored Prince
Foundation's dedication to supporting demining efforts, particularly in
Cambodia, where landmines continue to impact communities and hinder
development.
In his remarks, H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice-President of
the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and
President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention, said, "The contribution of the
private sector to humanitarian mine action will greatly assist in
resolving the global mine crisis and accelerate the journey to a
mine-free world. Landmines continue to threaten lives, disrupt
livelihoods, and impede socio-economic development, which is a major
obstacle to sustainable peace around the world."
"Despite the remarkable progress made through international treaties and
demining initiatives, challenges remain and require joint efforts in
all areas," Senior Minister Ly Thuch added.
Prince Foundation has been actively involved in several demining and
victim assistance projects. From participating in the High-Level
Dialogue on Mine Action in Siem Reap to sponsoring the Malaysian
Business Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) Charity Gala Dinner, which supported
demining in Kampong Speu province, the Foundation has continually
demonstrated its commitment. Notably, Prince Foundation collaborated
with UNDP Cambodia to produce a video featuring a message from former
James Bond actor Daniel Craig, commemorating the 30th anniversary of
demining efforts in Cambodia.
The MBCC has also played a pivotal role in raising funds and awareness
to help Cambodia achieve its goal of becoming a mine-free nation.
Together with other partners, MBCC launched the campaign "One Person -
4000 Riel," the amount needed to clear a five-square-meter patch of
contaminated land. Through its donations, it helped clear landmines and
other UXOs in Sdok commune and three villages in Srang commune in
Kampong Speu province.
Similarly, the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association
in Cambodia (TAFTAC), with support from the Cambodia Garment Training
Institute (CGTI), has been instrumental in providing training and skill
development to improve the lives of victims and their families. This
initiative enhances their ability to integrate into the workforce and
contribute to the country's development. In 2023, with support from
TAFTAC members, a donation of $240,000 was raised to support demining
efforts in eight minefields at Koh Sdach commune in Koh Kong province's
Kirisakor district. As a result, the area was declared mine-free that
same year.
"TAFTAC is honored to partner with the government's efforts, through the
CMAA, to achieve a landmine-free Cambodia. This initiative highlights
the importance of public-private partnerships in reaching such critical
goals. We are dedicated to the socio-economic development of Cambodia,
working towards a brighter future for all," said Mr. Albert Tan, Deputy
Chairman of TAFTAC.
Prince Foundation's support extends beyond demining. From September 2022
to September 2023, the Foundation supported the Cambodian Wheelchair
Basketball Federation. This initiative highlighted the positive impact
of assistance to victims of hazardous explosives and physical
disabilities. The Cambodian women's wheelchair basketball team's
historic achievements at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where they secured a
gold and a silver medal, underscored the importance of adaptive sports
and platforms for athletes with disabilities.
During the convention, Mr. Tan spotlighted the Cambodian model of public
and private sector collaboration in mine action as a prime example of
effective partnerships. He stressed the critical need for robust
alliances with humanitarian organizations to seamlessly integrate
demining efforts with broader peacebuilding and development goals.
"Building stronger ties between the private sector and humanitarian
organizations ensures the holistic integration of demining with a
broader peacebuilding and development agenda," Mr. Tan stated.
"The collaboration between CMAA and private entities like Prince
Foundation, the MBCC, and TAFTAC demonstrates the potential of combined
efforts. Our joint initiatives not only work towards a mine-free
Cambodia but also drive innovation and provide sustainable support for
social welfare," Mr. Tan added.
Collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations
can be strengthened through comprehensive strategies that include joint
planning and goal setting, shared resources and expertise, and
integrated programs combining demining with other humanitarian and
development initiatives. Regular communication and coordination are
essential to align efforts, and conducting joint impact evaluations and
reporting can measure success and identify areas for improvement.
As the global community continues to strive for a mine-free world,
contributions from the private sector play an indispensable role in
accelerating this journey. Prince Foundation remains committed to
driving innovation and creating sustainable support for demining and
social welfare initiatives, reinforcing the collective endeavor to
achieve a mine-free world.