OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organizes the 3rd International Training Board Meeting in Ashgabat to strengthen regional co-operation on explosive hazards
The 3rd In-Person International Training Board (ITB) Meeting concluded successfully in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) in partnership with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and OSCE Forum for Security and Co-operation (FSC) the meeting aimed to enhance co-operation and knowledge-sharing between Central Asia and international partners within the framework of the Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) project. Hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan and supported by the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan, the meeting took place from 19 to 21 November 2024.
Key stakeholders from Central Asia, the donor community, international organizations, and expert institutions gathered to review past progress, set future priorities, and strengthen regional co-operation in addressing explosive hazards. William Leaf, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, emphasized the global nature of the explosive hazard threat: “One that transcends borders and unites us in the effort to address the persistent and growing threat posed by explosive hazards worldwide.”
Building on the momentum of previous meetings, participants engaged in in-depth discussions to identify lessons learned, assess emerging threats, prioritize training needs, explore innovative training methods, and strengthen regional collaboration. Jukka Tuononen, Head of the OSCE Programme Office’s Politico-Military Department in Dushanbe, expressed optimism for the future: “By building upon the strong foundation laid by previous meetings, we can further enhance our collective capacity to mitigate the risks posed by explosive hazards.”
A key focus was the importance of international and regional co-operation. The OSCE-supported Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) was highlighted as a critical platform for training and capacity building, and plans were discussed to further enhance its capabilities. Robert LaFleur, Deputy Chief of Office of Military Co-operation of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Central Asia’s efforts in explosive hazards reduction and response: “[The United States is] particularly honoured to support Central Asia’s demining experts, who take on the dangerous task of removing unexploded ordnance to protect lives and return affected land to communities for productive and peaceful purposes. The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Explosive hazards continue to kill and injure people long after conflicts have ended, prevent the safe return of displaced people, and suppress economic opportunities that are crucial to the prosperity of Central Asia.”
By strengthening regional co-operation and sharing best practices, the meeting contributed to a safer and more secure Central Asia. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the challenges posed by explosive hazards and building a more resilient region.
