Over 100 representatives from Grand Priories, Associations and Relief Corps from around the world have gathered in Cologne over the past few days for the 32nd International Hospitallers’ Conference, a meeting which this year has focused on the theme of resilience, in terms of preparedness for complex crises, international coordination, effective response and continuity of services.
“We are living in a period marked by accelerating change and growing instability, the demands placed upon our Order continue to grow in scale, complexity and urgency”, said Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap as he opened the conference on Saturday morning. “May this Conference strengthen our unity, refine our strategic vision and deepen our commitment to Tutio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” he told the participants. Referring to global crises – from armed conflicts to climate emergencies – the Grand Master highlighted that resilience must be understood not only as an operational capability, but as an expression of the Order’s spiritual and humanitarian vocation, founded on faith, service and unity.
In his address, the Grand Hospitaller DR. Josef Blotz emphasised the identity of the Order, recalling that “every member is, in the deepest sense, a ‘hospitaller’, dedicated to welcoming and serving others”. He stressed that “the Order’s humanitarian mission represents a concrete example of the Gospel in action, drawing strength from its spirituality and religious nature””. He then introduced the theme of resilience as a key element in addressing the growing instability, interconnected crises and pressure on resources in today’s global context, with a particular focus on the scenarios in which the Order is engaged: the Middle East and Ukraine.
The day then got into full swing with the keynote speech, entitled ‘A fast and furious world: what is behind the next turn of the road?’, delivered by Dr. Bruno Kahl, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See and the Order of Malta. The speech offered a broad and detailed geopolitical analysis. The ambassador emphasised that the revival of power dynamics, hybrid threats and escalating global instability necessitate a deeper awareness and enhanced resilience, particularly within the humanitarian sector. He also underlined the importance of adapting operational structures, improving efficiency, and promoting greater flexibility in the use of resources in the context of reduced international funding.
The Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fra’ Francis Vassallo, spoke about funding, presenting transparency and good governance as important tools for managing the Order of Malta’s resources responsibly and providing the best possible support for humanitarian activities. He stressed the importance of collaboration and shared work between the Order’s various humanitarian entities, a view also expressed by Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo in his video message to participants.
Speaking about the Order of Malta Donors for Projects funding and support mechanism for embassy and association projects (OMDP), the Grand Chancellor said that ‘structured and ongoing activities rooted in local contexts are the key to real and lasting impact, involving members and volunteers, and strengthening the Order of Malta’s global presence’.
Starting with a realistic crisis simulation, participants were divided into groups and tested their skills in coordination, communication, and resilience when tackling increasingly complex scenarios. These themes were also discussed at the Conference of the Order of Malta’s Relief Organisations (OMRO) for Central and Eastern Europe and the General Assembly of Malteser International, which took place ahead of the Hospitallers’ Conference.
In an increasingly complex global context, the need to strengthen international cooperation, improve strategic planning, and integrate operational and spiritual dimensions has become apparent. The latter theme dominated the Sunday session, with presentations by Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, Prelate of the Order of Malta, and Fra’ Georg von Lengerke, Professed Conventual Chaplain.
This process will continue over the coming months, with the next Hospitaller Conference scheduled to take place in Dublin in March 2027.
https://www.orderofmalta.int/news/in-cologne-the-32nd-international-hospitallers-conference/
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