The long-standing relationship between the Sovereign Order of Malta and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) reflects their shared dedication to cultural preservation, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. Through a series of high-level meetings and joint initiatives, they continue to contribute to global peace, intercultural understanding, and the protection of historical heritage. Their collaboration is a testament to the enduring importance of cultural diplomacy in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Institutional Meetings and Collaborative Efforts

2010: Strengthening Cooperation

On November 21, 2010, Irina Bokova, then Director-General of UNESCO, met with Jean-Pierre Mazery, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, at the Magistral Villa in Rome. Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation, including both tangible and intangible heritage.

2012: The Cyprus Forum on Cultural Heritage

In November 2012, the Republic of Cyprus, the Sovereign Order of Malta, the European Commission and UNESCO organized the “Protection and Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean: A Common Responsibility” forum in Limassol, Cyprus. The initiative, aligned with the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council, aimed at promoting dialogue on cultural heritage protection, particularly in light of economic crises, natural disasters, and conflicts. The event was an extension of the Order’s 2007 project on the protection of universal sacred places in the Mediterranean.

Earlier that year, on March 6, 2012, the Order of Malta and the European Commission hosted a seminar in Brussels titled “Protecting the Sacred Places of the Mediterranean: A Contribution to Intercultural Dialogue,” with the participation of UNESCO and high-profile European leaders, including European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

2013: The Grand Master at UNESCO’s General Conference

On November 7, 2013, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing was invited as a Special Guest to the 37th Session of UNESCO’s General Conference. Accompanied by Grand Chancellor Jean-Pierre Mazery and Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Boeselager, he addressed the plenary session, highlighting the Order’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and cultural heritage protection. During the visit, he met with UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, to discuss ongoing cooperation, especially in protecting sacred sites and post-disaster recovery efforts. The Order also inaugurated an exhibition at UNESCO’s headquarters celebrating 900 years of its humanitarian mission.

2019: A Continued Commitment to UNESCO’s Mission

On November 13, 2019, the Grand Master, Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre, met in Paris with Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, alongside high-ranking representatives of UNESCO’s General Conference and Executive Board. He praised UNESCO’s efforts in education, science, and culture, and reiterated the Order’s commitment to supporting intercultural dialogue, assisting vulnerable populations, and safeguarding historical and religious sites. Specific projects included water security for indigent communities and further collaboration on sacred site preservation.

2024: Expanding Cooperation and Recognizing Historical Archives

On November 20, 2024, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo met with Xing Qu, UNESCO’s Deputy Director-General, in Paris. The discussions emphasized the Order’s commitment to supporting UNESCO’s cultural protection initiatives, with particular focus on religious sites in conflict zones. A major point of discussion was the potential inclusion of the Order of Malta’s historical archives in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register, a program dedicated to safeguarding documents of historical significance. These archives, preserved in the National Library of Malta, include over 7,000 documents dating back to the 12th century, including the Papal Bull of 1113, which established the Order’s sovereignty.