On November 8th, 2024, Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill met with Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter, Sweden’s Ambassador for ECOSOC and Sustainable Development at the United Nations. The meeting was also attended by Counsellor Maria Velasco, formerly the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Palestine.

Ambassador Schlyter, a seasoned diplomat with expertise in human rights and sustainable development, holds Master of Laws (LLM) degrees from Uppsala University and the University of Toronto. Her career spans roles with the UNHCR in Turkey, the International Labour Organization in Geneva, and several key positions within the Swedish Foreign Ministry, including Ambassador to Bangladesh and Minister Counsellor in Thailand. Her belief in the power of human rights to address global challenges has been a cornerstone of her diplomatic work.

During the meeting, Ambassador Beresford-Hill shared the Sovereign Order of Malta’s history and its global humanitarian efforts. Ambassador Schlyter expressed particular interest in the Order’s role at the United Nations. In response, Ambassador Beresford-Hill detailed the Order’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian aid within the UN framework and its diplomatic relations with 114 countries.

The discussion centred on humanitarian aid, with both ambassadors voicing concerns over the vulnerable conditions faced by communities in Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. They exchanged insights on current assistance initiatives and shared perspectives on addressing these pressing challenges. Climate change and its growing impact on humanitarian issues were also a significant focus. Ambassador Schlyter highlighted her concern that, despite its previous prominence, climate change is no longer receiving adequate attention within humanitarian discourse.

As the meeting concluded, Counsellor Velasco touched on her familiarity with the Order’s Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem during her time serving in the region, and she discussed the EU’s ongoing state-building efforts in Palestine.