News

31st International Hospitallers’ Conference in Vienna, 3-6 April

At this annual meeting of the Order of Malta’s Hospitallers from around the world the main discussions focussed on the issues of dementia and the ongoing situations in Middle East, Ukraine and the recent emergency in Myanmar.

From the rising challenge of neurodegenerative diseases to humanitarian crises in war zones, from natural disasters to migration, the 31st International Hospitallers’ Conference of the Sovereign Order of Malta brought together over 120 heads of the Order’s national Associations and relief workers organisations in Vienna. The leaders gathered to discuss the most urgent issues that afflict both the high- and the low- and middle- income countries in the world.

The meeting also underlined emergency and conflict scenarios in which the Order of Malta is present, with over 100,000 volunteers and over 50,000 full-time staff around the world. In particular, the Order of Malta, through its international relief agency Malteser International, is working intensively to provide medical assistance with a planned opening of a Primary Health Centre  in Gaza, in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Order also works in regions affected by disasters, like Myanmar recently, where the Malteser International team on the ground is currently assessing the extent to which the refugee camps in Thailand that they are supporting have been affected by the earthquake. Grand Hospitaller Joseph D. Blotz: “Our common goal remains to help and support the most vulnerable among our brethren. Through our collective efforts, may we illuminate new pathways of hope, solidarity, and resilience. Let us continue to embody the principles of Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum – defending the faith and serving the poor.”