Today, Project Masam proudly joins the international community in observing the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, under the 2025 theme: “Uniting for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future.”
This annual observance, established by the United Nations, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cooperative global efforts in resolving conflicts, advancing sustainable development, and promoting peace. For Project Masam, these principles are at the heart of its humanitarian mine action mission.
Operating in Yemen since 2018, Project Masam is a testament to the power of multilateral cooperation in action. The project brings together multinational demining experts, national teams, local authorities, and international partners with a shared purpose: to reduce the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), and restore safety and dignity to communities affected by conflict.
Through this collaborative model, Project Masam has successfully cleared vast areas of contaminated land, enabling families to return home, farmers to cultivate their fields, and children to walk safely to school. The project’s approach to mine action is deeply rooted in the belief that lasting peace and sustainable development cannot be achieved without human security – and that security begins with safe ground.
Beyond clearance operations, Project Masam plays an active role in advocacy and awareness-raising, both within Yemen and on the international stage. In-country, Project Masam works closely with community leaders, schools, and local authorities to deliver risk education, support victim assistance, and promote a culture of safety and resilience in affected regions.
Internationally, Project Masam contributes to global mine action dialogue by participating in humanitarian conferences and diplomatic forums—including side events at the United Nations and regional mine action coordination platforms—where it shares operational insights and highlights the unique challenges facing Yemen.
Through media outreach, research collaborations, and strategic communications, the project also amplifies the voices of mine-affected communities, calling for sustained international support.
‘Greater than ever collective responsibility’
“Project Masam is a living example of what multilateralism looks like in practice,” said Ousama Algosaibi, Project Masam ‘s Managing Director. “Our teams are composed of experts from different countries, working hand-in-hand with local communities in Yemen to address one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian threats. Together, we are not only clearing landmines – we are restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity where it is needed most.”
This year’s theme – “Uniting for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”- is especially urgent in light of current global trends. Around the world, humanitarian operations are under increasing pressure due to shrinking funding, political instability, and the rising scale of crises.
A growing number of humanitarian projects are facing cutbacks or closure, placing millions of vulnerable people at greater risk – including in Yemen, where the majority of international projects have been pared back.
In light of this, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its umbrella organisation KSRelief, and its humanitarian mine clearance arm Project Masam, has reiterated its support for life-saving humanitarian action in Yemen and reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation as a pathway to peace, stability, and sustainable recovery.
Algosaibi added: “Multilateralism is not just a principle – it’s a necessity. In a world facing rising humanitarian needs and shrinking resources, our collective responsibility is greater than ever. Project Masam stands as proof that when nations, institutions, and communities work together, even the most dangerous legacies of conflict can be overcome. We must not let funding challenges derail the progress made toward peace, recovery, and resilience.”
Need for robust international support
In this challenging landscape, Project Masam reaffirms the need for robust international support and collective political will to sustain life-saving work in conflict-affected areas like Yemen. The global community must continue to invest in humanitarian mine action – not only as a technical necessity, but as a critical foundation for peace, recovery, and resilience.
As the world reflects on the role of diplomacy and multilateral action in fostering peace, Project Masam urges international stakeholders not to waver in their commitment to countries in crisis. The path to a peaceful and sustainable future requires not only dialogue and agreement, but also practical, life-saving work on the ground – clearing the remnants of war, one mine at a time.
