On August 30, 1994, the Sovereign Order of Malta was granted Permanent Observer status at the United Nations through a resolution adopted by the General Assembly. Nearly three decades later, the Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap reflects on the numerous humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives led by the Order’s embassies, associations, and relief corps. In an interview published in the latest September edition of UNToday magazine, the Grand Master highlights the Order’s collaboration with United Nations agencies, which has resulted in significant interventions in crisis areas to alleviate suffering.

“The Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomatic activities are deeply intertwined with its humanitarian mission. Our accredited diplomatic missions in more than 100 countries support the Order’s activities,” the Grand Master explained. The interview will be distributed in print at UN headquarters in the coming weeks.

“Through its ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, the Order’s views on issues at the core of its commitment – human rights, healthcare, food security – are represented on the international stage. The Sovereign Order of Malta contributes with its expertise to global consultations and to the definition of possible fields of cooperation in healthcare, social assistance and emergency relief” Fra’ John Dunlap elaborated. He will be in Geneva on October 3 to lead the official celebrations for the anniversary.

In conjunction with the Permanent Missions of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York, Geneva, Rome, and Vienna, several events have been organized to underscore the strong and fruitful collaboration between the United Nations and the Order of Malta. These events also highlight the Order’s contributions to international forums in the fields of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief, and the promotion of human rights and interfaith dialogue.

One of the key initiatives is a photographic exhibition at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, showcasing the Order’s significant interventions over the years. The exhibition features relief assistance programs in Ukraine, the maternity services at the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, international summer camps for the disabled, and the daily support provided to the elderly and homeless around the world.

In May, the Permanent Mission in New York organized a  celebratory concert at the United Nations Headquarters with an event titled, ‘Voices for Faith and Dignity’, attended also by the Grand Master. This special event exemplified the Order’s long-standing commitment to promoting faith, dignity, and humanitarian efforts on the global stage.