Natalia, Mine Action Fellow Alumni from Colombia and Puerto Rico

"My name is Natalia M. Morales Campillo, I’m Colombian and Puerto Rican, and I’ve been working in Humanitarian Mine Action for the past 8 years. In 2019, while serving as the Gender Coordinator at CCCM, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Mine Action Fellows Program by Mine Action Canada, an experience that truly changed the course of my career. This program was a turning point for me. It gave me my first real exposure to international advocacy, allowed me to understand how global decisions are made by participating in the Meetings of the States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, and connected me with a powerful network of young leaders around the world who continue to inspire and collaborate with me today. Through the workshops and project opportunities, I was not only able to deepen my knowledge, but also to build the confidence to speak up, take initiative, and lead. It was through the hands-on tasks in advocacy, project management, and leadership that my supervisors saw the potential I had, and thanks to their trust, and everything I learned from this program, I’ve been able to grow into my role and responsibilities. Today, I lead CCCM’s International Relations area and represent our organization in global spaces. I know I wouldn’t be here without the Mine Action Fellows Program, it gave me the platform to be seen, the skills to lead, and the belief that I could. It helped me find my voice, and more importantly, it helped others hear it."

Giovanna, Mine Action Fellow from Brazil

"The training provided by Mines Action Canada was essential for helping me feel increasingly confident and prepared to take part in the conference. The pre-conference workshops and strategic preparation sessions equipped us with concrete tools to understand the structure of the treaty, decision-making mechanisms, and, most importantly, the role of civil society in these spaces. Beyond technical skills, the support from the team during the conference helped us reflect on our interventions, formulate relevant questions, and identify key points in state interventions. The training wasn’t just technical; it was also political and emotional. That, for me, was one of the most powerful aspects of this experience. Humanitarian policy is built by many hands, and thanks to Mines Action Canada, I was able to see how youth can play a key role in this process. I learned that there is no such thing as a "small" space for change—every statement, every meeting, and every listening moment is an opportunity for action. MAC made us feel confident and important, like anyone else present at that conference. That's why I say, believe in the value of what you do. Every step you take in defending human rights and fighting for disarmament matters."

Kendahl, Mine Action Fellow Alumni from Denmark and the United States

"My time as a Mine Action Fellow was incredibly valuable for both my personal and professional development. I especially appreciated the diversity of the cohort—bringing together a wide range of lived experiences, expertise, and perspectives—which created a rich environment for learning and ongoing exchange that continues even as I have graduated from the program. The leadership training, combined with the program’s consistent message that Fellows belong in spaces like the Meeting of States Parties, helped build my confidence and strengthened my motivation to stay engaged in humanitarian disarmament. The knowledge, networks, and experience I gained have already had a meaningful impact on my career and continued aspirations."

Hevelyn, Mine Action Fellow from Brazil

"I arrived in Geneva on November 19, 2023, and left on November 25. During the week, I participated in a variety of activities, ranging from internal preparation and guidance to lectures and training sessions, as well as diplomatic engagements, such as the European headquarters of the United Nations. I also engaged in active listening during the Treaty discussions and approached national representatives. Additionally, I was one of three youth representatives who read the Youth Declaration during the event. It was a moment filled with euphoria, happiness, and gratitude. Overall, it was a unique, powerful, and memorable experience. It changed my worldview, helped me understand my role and importance as part of civil society, and strengthened my desire to be an activist. I believe the main lesson [I learned from attending a Mine Action Fellows Forum] was understanding that we can make a difference. Despite the challenges I face as a woman, an activist, someone from the Global South, and a student of security-related topics, there are still spaces and organizations that amplify our voices."