Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale remarks during the "Soul of Soil" event

Today, we not only prepare for the upcoming Easter festivities, and  to again recognize the profound strength of the Ukrainian people, but also to address a grave challenge that casts a shadow on this land – the pervasive threat of explosive ordnance contamination.

This "Soul of Soil 2.0," event reminds us of the true value of the simple things we often take for granted, like the Easter bread we will soon share. The flour from which this bread is made is milled from grain harvested from demined fields. And the fact that this grain was grown at all is due to the tireless efforts of sappers who risk their lives to reclaim Ukraine's fertile land.   I have seen some of this work myself near the frontline in Kharkiv and recently in Mykolaiv and have huge respect for the courageous people clearing mines. 

The United Nations, via UNDP, is proud to be a partner in this vital initiative, working alongside the Ministry of Economy and Silpo to raise awareness about the devastating impact of explosive ordnance.   

The statistics are stark: over 23% of Ukraine’s territory, a staggering 139,000 square kilometers – an area comparable to the size of Greece – is potentially contaminated with mines. This contamination not only endangers lives but also hinders agricultural production, threatening food security both here in Ukraine and globally. Before the invasion, Ukraine fed 400 million people around the world.   

Moreover, a recent UNDP study, conducted with BBC Media Action and the charity organization Humanity and Inclusion, reveals significant gaps in public awareness and understanding of mine risks. While most Ukrainians express a willingness to act safely, many still underestimate the danger and would take actions that put themselves and others at risk. We must all therefore act with urgency to communicate  more clearly and educate better about the severe risks of mine contamination in specific regions of the country.   

We know that concrete stories about people's daily lives resonate well.  And we must utilize a multi-channel approach that combines media with direct engagement.

And this is where you, esteemed influencers, bloggers, and media partners, play such a crucial role. Your ability to connect with and inform diverse audiences is essential in engaging with citizens and amplifying critical messages. Thank you for your commitment to using your platforms for this important cause. By sharing the stories of resilience, the dangers of mines, and the importance of mine action, you become powerful agents of change. You help to shape perceptions, promote safe behaviors, and ultimately, save lives.

Today's event connects us to the land, to the people who work it, and to the traditions that sustain this beautiful country. 

The United Nations is committed to supporting the government and people of Ukraine in addressing the challenge of mine action. We are grateful to UNDP’s partners and other international donors, for their generous support.   

Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose: In honoring the countless sacrifices made, let us leave here today with a renewed determination to support ongoing demining efforts as part of building a safer and better future for all Ukrainians.

Thank you.