Russian Invasion Against Ukraine Brings Extraordinary Challenges in Humanitarian Demining

Ukraine has more than 170,000 square kilometers (30%) of potentially contaminated areas from the ongoing Russian invasion and is one of the most mined countries in the world.  A significant part of that area is farmland.  This online webinar on September 18, 2024, at 10 AM New York time will focus on the challenges ahead for humanitarian demining in Ukraine and the technologies being used to accomplish this critical effort.

Expert panelists include:  Paul Heslop, the Senior Mine Action Advisor to the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in Ukraine; Ihor Fedirko, Deputy Director of Ukroboronservice SC for their Humanitarian Demining Center; HALO Trust USA executive director Chris Whatley; and moderator Denys Gurak, an experienced Ukrainian serial entrepreneur and C-level manager, CEO and co-founder at A.D.A.M and an expert in the Ukraine Defense Industry.

Denys Gurak is the CEO and Co-Founder of A.D.A.M., a pioneering 3D bioprinting company focused on creating 3D-printed bones and advancing personalized tissue manufacturing. With a background in biotech and defense, Denys has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Director-General of Ukraine's Defense Industry and Co-Founder of MITS Capital. His expertise spans strategic modeling, technological innovation, and international relations, making him a prominent figure in the expert community and various think tanks.

Paul Heslop is currently seconded to Ukraine as the Senior Mine Action Advisor to the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team; he is normally based in New York as the UNMAS Chief of Programme and Planning.

Paul has 30 years of experience in Mine Action. He began his demining career in 1994, working for “The HALO Trust” in seven mine-affected countries at all levels in mine action, from deminer to program manager. He joined the UN in 2004 in Sudan as the Chief of Staff/Deputy Director of the UNMAS/UNMIS program before moving to UN HQ in New York in 2006.  He was involved in developing and supporting UN mine action programs in over 25 countries between 2006 and 2020 as Chief of Operations in UNMAS HQ NY, including 15 rapid emergency deployments via the UNMAS rapid response and technical support team. In 1999 he was a member of the team that developed International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and was both a member (2004-2018) and the Chair (2011-2018) of the IMAS Review Board. In 2017, he received a Secretary General award for innovation in Mali for an innovative project design that significantly reduced peacekeeper casualties from IEDs.  

Ihor Fedirko is the Founder of multiple technical and educational projects, including the Volunteer Optical Laboratory in Ukraine, where he leads efforts in repairing critical optical devices for Ukrainian troops. He co-founded Boryviter Center of Excellence, providing NATO-standard training to Ukrainian military personnel, and NGO HelpUA, which supports Ukraine with substantial humanitarian aid. Ihor is also the founder of a cultural hub in Switzerland and an advocate for sports in the Ukrainian Navy, demonstrating his broad commitment to both technological innovation and social impact.

Chris Whatley is the Executive Director of HALO USA, the American branch of The HALO Trust, the world's largest humanitarian mine clearance organization. He has previously led the United Nations Association of the United States and served as Deputy Executive Director of The Council of State Governments. Chris has a strong background in international development, having worked on election observation and technical assistance programs across Africa, and holds advanced degrees in foreign service and government.

Mike Buryk is a seasoned professional with 45 years of experience in the publishing and advertising industries. He has worked for prominent companies like The New York Times and McGraw-Hill and has developed advertising products for IEEE. Since 2017, Mike has focused on Ukraine's economy, technology, and civil society, producing two podcasts: "Made in Ukraine Tech Startup Edition" and "Krynytsya (the Well)." He has also been active with the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, helping develop and market online conferences and webcasts on Ukrainian technology innovation. Mike currently coordinates the Reimagining Recovery Rebuilding and Reconstruction Ukraine Task Force.

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