By Rothna Buth
Attending the recent Innovation Session: Artificial Intelligence for Mine Action in Geneva last week, hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), was both humbling and inspiring. As experts from across the globe gathered to share insights, it became clear that the intersection of cutting-edge technology and humanitarian work is no longer a distant dream, but an urgent necessity.
For three days, leaders from the mine action community, AI specialists, and humanitarian responders came together to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to one of the world’s most enduring and deadly challenges: landmines and explosive remnants of war. As someone representing the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), I was heartened by the energy, the ideas, and the resolve to integrate AI into our efforts to protect lives.
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The event featured a range of fascinating discussions—from ethical considerations to practical applications. Panels covered everything from satellite image processing for detecting contaminated areas to machine learning systems that predict risk patterns.
But one of the most eye-opening moments came when small working groups brainstormed real-world AI applications, sparking innovations that could revolutionize mine action.
AI Is Not a Magic Bullet—But It Can Be Transformative
The clear consensus at the session was that while AI holds tremendous potential, it is not a magic bullet.
Technology alone cannot overcome the deeply entrenched challenges faced by mine action personnel on the ground. The reality is that no algorithm can replace the courage and expertise of the individuals who have dedicated their lives to ridding the world of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
However, AI—when paired with the knowledge and experience of seasoned mine action operators—can serve as a powerful tool to enhance the efficiency of operations. The potential benefits are significant: reducing the time and cost of clearing land, improving the safety of deminers, and optimizing the allocation of resources in regions where every second counts.
And in a world that seems increasingly conflict-prone, these efficiencies will be more critical than ever. One of the most promising developments discussed at the session was the creation of AI-powered tools to support mine action efforts.
Among the applications that I believe should be prioritized are:
• A multilingual Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) chatbotpowered by large language models (LLMs). This tool could provide real-time, culturally sensitive and life-saving information in local languages, directly to communities affected by mines and explosive remnants of war.
• A mine action knowledge assistant, an LLM trained on extensive, credible yet relevant mine action data, that could serve as a resource for personnel in the field, answering technical queries, providing guidance on international standards, and streamlining decision-making processes.
• An impact assessment tool designed to help humanitarian and conflict zone responders prioritize actions based on local conditions. By analyzing data and recommending where efforts should be focused first—whether medical support, mine clearance, or community education—this tool would ensure a smarter, faster response to urgent needs.
These applications are not about replacing the human element in mine action; they are about augmenting it. With AI in the hands of skilled operators, we have the opportunity to do our work faster, safer, and with greater impact.
And when every second saved means a potential life saved, the stakes could not be higher.
ARMAC’s Role: Leading by Example in Southeast Asia
At ARMAC, we have long recognized the value of collaboration and innovation.
As a regional center of excellence for mine action, our mandate is not only to address the legacy of war in ASEAN member states, but also to serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
The lessons learned in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam — ASEAN member states affected by landmines and UXOs —can be shared with others facing similar challenges across the globe.
But as the world changes, so too must our approach. The accelerating pace of technological advancement offers us an opportunity to rethink how we address the issue of explosive ordnance contamination. We believe that ARMAC must take the lead in exploring, testing, and ultimately rolling out AI-powered applications for mine action.
The knowledge and experience we have gained over decades of clearing land and helping survivors must be paired with the best that AI has to offer.
By leading the development of AI tools for mine action, ARMAC can contribute to all five pillars of mine action: clearance, risk education, victim assistance, stockpile destruction, and advocacy. We will do so humbly, knowing that technology is only one part of the solution, and that the bravery, dedication, and resilience of the people on the ground will always be the driving force behind our success.
The challenges we face are immense, but so too is the potential of this new frontier. AI will not solve every problem, but it will make our work smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more impactful. And in a world where conflict continues to upend lives, we owe it to the communities we serve to explore every possible avenue to make their future safer. We look forward to being part of that change.
