On June 24, 2025, H.E. Ambassador Beresford-Hill hosted a reception in celebration of the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order.

The event brought together ambassadors from numerous UN Member States with which the Order maintains diplomatic relations, as well as representatives from countries with which it does not yet have formal ties. Also in attendance were officials from United Nations agencies and various international organisations.

Guests were warmly welcomed to the Mission and had the opportunity to engage with the Order’s diplomats and staff based in New York. Many took the occasion to learn more about the legacy of St. John the Baptist and his enduring influence on the Order of Malta’s mission, especially through his example of humility and dedication to serving others.

In his remarks, Ambassador Beresford-Hill expressed gratitude to those in attendance and spoke about the Order’s centuries-long commitment to aiding the poor and the sick, often in some of the world’s most challenging environments. He also commended the diplomatic community in New York for its steadfast commitment to multilateralism during increasingly turbulent times, and conveyed his appreciation for the ongoing support extended by Member States, UN agencies, and partner organisations to the work of the Order.

Looking ahead, the Ambassador reaffirmed the Order of Malta’s intention to strengthen existing partnerships and cultivate new ones, in order to continue advancing its global humanitarian mission in service of the most vulnerable.`