On 8 April, USUBC in partnership with the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), hosted a webinar that brought together representatives from the U.S. and Ukrainian governments, international organizations, and private sector companies to explore strategic priorities for 2026 in the demining sector. The discussion focused on emerging business opportunities, investment considerations, and partnership models in Ukraine’s rapidly developing demining sector, which remains critical to enabling reconstruction, restoring agricultural land, and ensuring safe conditions for economic activity.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Irina Paliashvili, President & CEO, USUBC and Ginny Maycock, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, ISOA, who emphasized the importance of international coordination and private sector engagement. The discussion featured Michael Tirre, U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement; Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine; Chris Whatley, The HALO Trust USA; Erin Atkinson, Tetra Tech; Michel Weis, Deminetec and Cenk Olcay Seran, ECC.
Moderated by Nadiia Khomaziuk and Dmytro Filonenko of USUBC, the conversation explored U.S. government support mechanisms, market dynamics, and the role of innovation and partnerships in advancing demining efforts. The session highlighted practical pathways for business engagement and collaboration to support Ukraine’s safe recovery.
