The Sovereign Order of Malta’s Observer Status to the UN will soon reach the 30 mark, and the Master of the Order has been discussing how he plans to lead the Order amidst a period of unprecedented geopolitical uncertainty.

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Order has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.

Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.

It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.

In an interview with UNToday magazine yesterrday, the Order’s Grand Master, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, has pledged that the The Order of Malta “intends to carry out its historical humanitarian mission whatever the international environment.”

The Order’s status as a sovereign entity of international law allows the Order to potentially act as a mediator in conflicts and to carry out humanitarian activities, irrespective of the nationality or the political or religious creed of the people assisted.

“In an international context as complex, tense, and fragmented as the current one, the mission and the role of the Order of Malta is even more crucial for contributing to peace efforts or for providing relief aid to the people affected by conflicts or other calamities,” said Fr’ Dunlap.

“The relief operators of the Order of Malta, supported by its diplomatic network, operate courageously and with admirable commitment and competence in very complex and challenging environments, from Ukraine to the Middle East, from the Sahel to the Great Lakes and other areas.

“The role of the Order of Malta is unique, as it does not serve any political purpose but provides instead its services of humanitarian diplomacy and assistance to all those in need. In essence, the Order of Malta is an asset for the international community and its potential is still to be explored.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW:
https://untoday.org/celebrating-30-years-as-permanent-observer-at-the-un/