12 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland -  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sovereign Order of Malta at UNITAR’s headquarters in Geneva. This strategic partnership aims to address the global challenge of human trafficking through collaborative efforts over the next five years.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, Director of UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, and H.E. Michel Veuthey, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and Deputy Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva.

The five-year strategic partnership seeks to leverage the respective expertise and resources of both entities to prevent, the rehabilitation of survivors, and the strengthening of international networks against human trafficking. Activities will include awareness-raising campaigns, capacity-building for law enforcement and policymakers, and high-level events.  This partnership underscores UNITAR’s commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 5, 8, and 16. The Sovereign Order of Malta, with its extensive experience in humanitarian assistance and human dignity preservation, brings a unique and valuable perspective to this shared mission.

Through this collaboration, UNITAR and the Sovereign Order of Malta aim to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking while empowering affected communities and fostering sustainable solutions to this complex global challenge.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Sovereign Order of Malta are pleased to announce a high-level event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Palermo Protocol. Scheduled for 28th March 2025 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, the event titled After 25 Years of the Palermo Protocol – The Need for Real Action will focus on strengthening global efforts to combat human trafficking through capacity-building and training.

The event will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions with leading policymakers, diplomats, and experts, emphasizing innovative solutions and multi-stakeholder cooperation. Please register to attend directly here: https://indico.un.org/event/1016434

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the work of the United Nations and its Member States in the fields of peace and security and in the promotion of economic and social development. UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy positions itself as a cross-cutting Division within the Institute, in order to support countries in strengthening national institutions for capacity-building at all levels, and fostering the participation of Member States in global governance, thus contributing to the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. Due to its nature, the focus of the Division extends over a wide range of policy domains and training topics, including the preparation for key assignments within the United Nations System, environmental and climate change diplomacy, economic diplomacy, human rights diplomacy, frontier diplomacy, international law, and other related topics. In doing so, it focuses predominantly on capacities and skills-development activities, such as diplomatic report writing, public speaking, media relations and negotiation techniques, and public and digital diplomacy, among many others.

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical. Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. In the day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society. It is especially involved in helping people living amid armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion. Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, the Order of Malta has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. This 900-year history is reflected in its full name: Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Since 1834, the Order of Malta’s government seat has been in Rome, where it is guaranteed extraterritorial rights. The Sovereign Order of Malta operates through 11 Priories, 48 national associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres and specialist foundations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal and does not depend on any other state or government.