Improvised explosive devices continue to pose complex and evolving risks in many humanitarian and post-conflict environments. Effective response requires not only equipment and procedures, but also coordination, shared understanding and uptodate operational frameworks across national authorities.

In March 2025, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) contributed to a regional capacitybuilding workshop in Nairobi, convened by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS). The workshop brought together representatives from National Mine Action Authorities (NMAA) and Mine Action Centres (MAC) to strengthen their ability to respond to IED threats.

Knowledge exchange for complex threat environments

The workshop focused on the changing nature of IED contamination and the implications for national mine action strategies. Discussions addressed how threat evolution affects survey, clearance planning, coordination and implementation, with the aim of supporting informed, contextappropriate responses.

Participants worked through practical scenarios designed to reflect real operational challenges, allowing authorities and practitioners to examine how procedures and coordination mechanisms can be adapted to current threat profiles.

Operational perspective and applied learning

GCS supported the workshop through facilitation and technical input, contributing operational insight drawn from field experience across multiple contexts. Sessions were delivered jointly with GICHD specialists, combining humanitarian policy perspectives with applied clearance and IEDD expertise.

The workshop format emphasised interagency collaboration, bringing together humanitarian organisations and national military stakeholders around shared objectives: reducing risk to civilians and enabling safe environments for recovery.

Small working groups, combining instructors and participants, allowed for peertopeer exchange and practical problemsolving, which participants identified as a valuable aspect of the programme.

Strengthening regional coordination

The workshop concluded with a focus on how lessons learned can be translated into national and regional practice. Improved coordination, shared terminology and common understanding of procedures were highlighted as key enablers of effective IED threat management.

GCS acknowledges the role of GICHD in convening the workshop, HPSS for hosting, and the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) for its cooperation in supporting efforts to reduce IED risks to personnel and communities.

By contributing operational expertise to structured knowledgeexchange initiatives such as this, GCS supports the development of sustainable, regionally aligned responses to explosive threats.