"The Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World" is the name given to the Second Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction. The Convention seeks to end the suffering caused by antipersonnel mines – by prohibiting their use, requiring the destruction of existing stockpiles, and obliging States to clear mined areas and assist victims. This landmark international legal instrument, which has been accepted by 156 States, entered into force on 1 March 1999.

Article 12 of the Convention states that a Review Conference shall be convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations five years after the entry into force of the Convention. The purpose of the Review Conference is to: review the operation and status of the Convention; consider the need for and the interval between further Meetings of the States Parties; take decisions on submissions of States Parties as provided for in Article 5; and, adopt, if necessary, conclusions related to the implementation of the Convention.

The Cartagena Summit will be held at the highest possible level. It is hoped that this will contribute to high level commitments necessary to pursue the aims of the Convention during the next five years.

Venue

The Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World will be held at the Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Centre in Cartagena, Colombia.

President

Ambassador Susan Eckey of Norway has been designated President of the Second Review Conference.

Secretary General

Ambassador Clara Inés Vargas of Colombia has been designated Secretary General of the Second Review Conference. As such, Ambassador Inés will oversee Colombia's efforts to host the world at the Second Review Conference.