On December 4, 2024, Ambassador Beresford-Hill met with H.E. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative of the Republic of India to the United Nations. Ambassador Parvathaneni, who assumed his current role in September 2024, has had a distinguished diplomatic career, including service as Ambassador of India to Germany and Viet Nam, and as India’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza City. He also served as Chief of the Policy Analysis Unit at the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza from 2000 to 2005.
Ambassador Parvathaneni opened the meeting by expressing interest in the Order of Malta’s diplomatic activities and global humanitarian network. Ambassador Beresford-Hill provided an overview of the Order’s extensive operations, emphasising its commitment to alleviating suffering worldwide.
The discussion shifted to Ambassador Parvathaneni’s extensive experience in the Palestinian Territories. Reflecting on his time in the region, he described the Palestinian people as warm and hospitable, while noting the increasing challenges posed by polarisation and the impact of social media on the political landscape. Ambassador Beresford-Hill highlighted the Order’s recent humanitarian operations in Gaza, including the delivery of food aid. Ambassador Parvathaneni praised these efforts, recognising the vital role they play in addressing urgent needs.
Ambassador Parvathaneni inquired about the Order’s work at the United Nations. Ambassador Beresford-Hill explained its dual role as a humanitarian actor and advocate for the marginalised, using the UN platform to promote global solidarity. The conversation also touched on the plight of those suffering under undemocratic regimes. Ambassador Parvathaneni remarked on the privilege of democracy, often taken for granted by those who experience it, and voiced concern over neglected crises in countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ambassador Beresford-Hill echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of sustained humanitarian efforts to address growing global needs.
Ambassador Beresford-Hill further discussed the Order’s expanding diplomatic network, including its recent establishment of official relations with the United Kingdom. He also highlighted the Order’s interest in issues facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly the existential challenges posed by rising sea levels. Ambassador Parvathaneni expressed India’s interest in these discussions, recognising their importance.
As the meeting concluded, both Ambassadors affirmed the significance of hope as a cornerstone for achieving peace and sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
