Sovereign Order of Malta

Sovereign Order of Malta
Permanent Mission
to the UN in Rome
(FAO, WFP, IFAD)

Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
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FAO

The Sovereign Order of Malta has had its own permanent observer mission to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) since 1994. They formalized their cooperation with a Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2005, solidifying their shared mission to combat global hunger, enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture through joint projects.

The Order of Malta, as a humanitarian organization with a long-standing commitment to aid and development, has partnered with FAO on initiatives that address both immediate food needs and long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.

Their joint efforts often center on regions affected by conflict, natural disasters, and chronic poverty. The Order of Malta contributes through its extensive network of medical and social assistance projects worldwide, supporting FAO’s initiatives by providing on-the-ground support for food distribution, medical aid, and capacity-building programs. Additionally, the Order leverages its diplomatic status to facilitate cooperation and raise awareness on food-related issues at the international level.

A significant aspect of this partnership is their shared emphasis on resilience and disaster preparedness. Together, they work on training programs that equip communities with the skills and resources needed to maintain food security in the face of crises. By pooling their expertise, the Order of Malta and FAO aim to create sustainable impact, aligning their mission to support the global goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.

At the 2023 FAO Food Systems Summit, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo highlighted the importance of resilient, sustainable food systems to combat global hunger and poverty. He emphasized the need to support local agriculture, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and conflict, to build food security from the ground up. This high-level intervention exemplifies the Order’s commitment to FAO’s mission of eradicating hunger and fostering sustainable development globally.

Photo Gallery

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25 July 2023, Rome, Italy - Plenary Sessions: Reversing the food and hunger crisis: building resilient food systems. UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment. FAO headquarters, (Plenary Hall). Photo credit must be given: ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO
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H.E. Albrecht von Boeselager, Minister for Health and International Cooperation of the Sovereign Order of Malta, delivering his statement at the High Level Segment. High-Level Conference on World Food Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, 3-5 June 2008.