Director-General's remarks at the Presentation of the publication "30 years of the Sovereign Order of Malta at the United Nations"

Presentation of the publication “30 years of the Sovereign Order of Malta at the United Nations”

Thursday, 3 October 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

Room XVIII, Palais des Nations

Your Most Eminent Highness,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my great pleasure to welcome you today at the Palais des Nations for the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Sovereign Order of Malta's observer status at the United Nations. We have gathered today to pay tribute to the fruitful partnership that the Order of Malta has fostered with the United Nations’ family over the past three decades, driven by the principles of empathy, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation.

The Sovereign Order of Malta has, for centuries, exemplified a steadfast commitment to human dignity, serving as a beacon of hope for thousands of people trapped in crisis situations around the world. 

In conflict zones, where human suffering is often at its peak, the Order’s presence is not only a source of humanitarian relief, but also a symbol of neutrality and compassion. The Order’s ability to work across borders and faiths, often in environments where access is difficult and dangerous, demonstrates the unique value it brings to the global humanitarian landscape. 

The same is true in the wake of natural disasters. From earthquakes to floods, from epidemics to famines, the Sovereign Order of Malta has brought swift and effective responses, delivering aid to remote areas and neglected populations. In doing so, the Sovereign Order of Malta exemplifies the very essence of solidarity — being present in times of hardship, not for recognition or reward, but out of a genuine commitment to serve.

As we reflect on the past 30 years of partnership between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the United Nations, we also look ahead to the challenges that lie before us. Conflicts, climate change, global health emergencies, the displacement of people on an unprecedented scale — no one country or organization can tackle these crises alone. It is through the spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility that we can address the most complex issues of our time. 

Last month, the Member States adopted in New York the Pact for the Future, together with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.  It has laid the foundations for undertaking the much-needed reform of the Security Council, closing all digital divides, preventing an arms race in outer space, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, along with many other areas of multilateral cooperation in the years to come. The Pact opens pathways to new opportunities towards a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism.

In this endeavor, the Sovereign Order of Malta has been, and will continue to be, an indispensable partner for the United Nations. The Order’s active engagement in multilateral discussions has enriched our collective efforts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting displaced populations, or facilitating interreligious dialogue, the Order’s work exemplifies the power of solidarity in action.

On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Sovereign Order of Malta for its tireless dedication to making our world a more compassionate, just, and peaceful place. May the next 30 years be as fruitful, inspiring, and transformative as the past three decades have been.

Thank you.