On December 2, 2024, Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill met with H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the United Nations.
Ambassador Lambrinidis has held several prominent positions prior to his current role. He served as the EU Ambassador to the United States and as the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights. In 2011, he was Greece’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and previously served as a twice-elected Member of the European Parliament with the Greek Social Democratic Party, including as Vice-President of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2011. His career has also included leadership of the International Olympic Truce Centre, where he worked to promote peace initiatives during the Olympic Games, and various senior roles in Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, he practiced law in Washington, D.C., specialising in international trade, transactions, and arbitration.
At the start of the meeting, Ambassador Beresford-Hill congratulated Ambassador Lambrinidis on the EU Delegation’s success in fostering unity among EU member states within the United Nations framework. Ambassador Lambrinidis expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to addressing global challenges. He also commended the Order of Malta’s extensive humanitarian contributions worldwide.
Ambassador Lambrinidis emphasised the EU’s ongoing support for civilians affected by conflict, despite increasing challenges. Ambassador Beresford-Hill provided an update on the Order’s key initiatives, including the operation of the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, mobile clinics across the West Bank, and recent food aid shipments to Gaza in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Ambassador Lambrinidis praised the Order’s impactful work but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding intensified support amid the ongoing conflict. Both Ambassadors emphasised the importance of maintaining hope in challenging times.
The discussion also extended to the Order’s broader humanitarian activities. Ambassador Beresford-Hill highlighted efforts to support Venezuelan refugees in Colombia, as well as operations in Haiti, Sudan, and South Sudan. He noted the significant impact of climate change on many of these crises, prompting Ambassador Lambrinidis to highlight the EU’s initiatives to address climate-related challenges, including their integration into the Pact for the Future adopted during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week in September 2024.
The meeting concluded with a discussion of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, and their potential to enhance humanitarian efforts. Ambassador Lambrinidis reaffirmed the EU Delegation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives and strengthening its collaborative relationship with the Order of Malta.
