The event was at the primary school in the centre of Machipanda, consisting of key note speeches by Governor of Manica, Mr. Maurício Vieira led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Eduardo Koloma, with participation of local communities and authorities, the Ambassador Júlio Braga, UNDP Country Director, Mr. Jocelyn Mason, SADC, Donor representatives and other government officials. The programme was followed by interactive demonstration of Mine Action organizations and concluded with folklore performances by local groups.

The border area between Mozambique and Zimbabwe is heavily affected by the threat of landmines. The selection of the venue along the border took into consideration not only the enhanced demining activities in the Manica province but also the cross-border cooperation between mine affected countries, in this case Mozambique and Zimbabwe as part of the SADC framework.

In accordance with the SADC Mine Action Committee recommendations, the National Demining Institute (IND), intended that this event will promote a regional co-operation initiative to guarantee longer-term commitment for mine clearance along border areas and believes that firm commitment by both countries to solve the problem will set an example to the region and the entire world.