The International Training Board (ITB) Coordination Mechanism
The International Training Board (ITB) serves as a unique, multi-stakeholder platform established to enhance coordination and cooperation among partners dedicated to reducing and responding to explosive hazards in Central Asia and beyond. It is a vital mechanism for ensuring that programme partners, donors, and relevant governmental officials jointly agree upon and deliver effective solutions in this critical technical area. The ITB facilitates regular, structured engagement with international experts and institutions, significantly contributing to regional security.
Participants and Scope
The network primarily brings together Central Asian specialists in explosive hazard-related fields. Participants include representatives from the OSCE Secretariat, OSCE Field Operations in Central Asia, and OSCE participating States across the region. The platform is also designed to integrate expertise from the wider regional and international expert community and specialized training institutions.
Meeting Frequency and Format
The ITB is currently planned to convene bi-annually, typically during the first and fourth quarters of the year. Meetings are organized on a rotational basis within Central Asia or other relevant international locations. To ensure maximum accessibility and flexibility, the ITB can also be conducted in an online or hybrid format.
Core Objectives
The overarching goal of the ITB is to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing among key stakeholders on explosive hazard reduction and response, thereby contributing to regional security and stability.
Specifically, the ITB aims to:
- Ensure Effective Coordination: Facilitate the effective participation of Central Asian specialists in regional explosive hazard events and training courses.
- Exchange Best Practices: Provide a structured forum for the exchange of experiences and the sharing of best practices in explosive hazard reduction and response.
- Enhance Resource Exchange: Improve the flow of mine action knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources through robust multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Ensure Quality Assurance: Serve as an integral part of the training verification and validation process against relevant international standards.
- Foster Regional Partnership: Strengthen cooperation between Central Asian beneficiaries and representatives from international training institutions, centres of excellence, and the expert community.
A Regular Coordination Mechanism
With its specialized focus and bi-annual frequency, the ITB acts as a regular and reliable coordination mechanism, linking international partners, experts, and institutions involved in explosive hazard reduction and response with the Central Asian region.
