The 13th Asia Pacific Conference of the Order of Malta concludes after three intense days dedicated to exploring the challenges the Associations face in their daily work in the service of the poor and the sick.

From members’ formation, to fundraising to support their projects to fight disease, poverty, social marginalisation and the main emerging needs on the two continents, the Conference provided an important opportunity to share ideas and solutions, under the guidance of Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo and Grand Hospitaller Josef Blotz.

The Association Presidents for Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, have signed a joint declaration with Malteser International for the opening of a branch dedicated to the Asia Pacific region. The objective is ‘to renew the bonds of fraternity, with the firm intention of working together in the service of the poor and the sick in the region, with a focus on the impact, sustainability and appropriateness of the work.’

The Declaration states: …‘Together we will use the instruments at our disposal to fulfil this commitment. Most especially we will strengthen our collaboration, using the structure of Malteser International Asia Pacific, which has been set up specifically for this purpose, and most particularly in the event of major emergencies’  to which the region is exposed, due to environmental and climatic factors. The commitment to this collaboration between these various entities has been entrusted to the intercession of the Madonna of Philermo, protectress of the Order of Malta.