Order of Malta: Humanitarian Diplomacy in 130 Countries, New Relations in Africa

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has strengthened its diplomatic network, increasing from 115 to 118 countries with which it maintains official relations. This was announced by the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Order has opened dialogue with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, signed cooperation agreements with Micronesia and Cyprus, and initiated a path with Eswatini and Tuvalu.

During the Assembly week, the Order held high-level bilateral meetings with the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Germany, noting growing confidence in its unique combination of diplomatic and humanitarian action. The organization operates with an active network in 130 countries worldwide, focusing on healthcare, social inclusion, and emergency response.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a sovereign entity and a Catholic religious order with a thousand-year history, internationally recognized for its neutrality and humanitarian commitment. For over thirty years, it has held Permanent Observer status at the United Nations. Its mission combines a formal diplomatic presence with a broad network of field-based humanitarian projects.

In an international context described as increasingly fragmented and polarized, the Order presents itself as a facilitator of dialogue, maintaining open channels with diverse governments. This dual role enables it to create partnerships, facilitate access to vulnerable populations, and represent their needs in international forums. Its action is based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and the defense of human dignity and international humanitarian law.

Its presence is historic in some crisis scenarios: it has been in Lebanon for over 70 years with 60 projects, and in Ukraine, it has been operating since the start of the war in 2022, having delivered over 10,000 tons of aid. The stated goal is to use diplomacy as a service to the humanitarian mission, seeking to build bridges even where other channels are closed.