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We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Monaco, which generously responded to our call for help for the “Make a WISH – A Warm Winter” initiative. This essential project aims to meet the pressing needs of vulnerable populations facing the harshness of winter, particularly the elderly who visit our centers and warm homes.

Winter: A Critical Season for the Most Fragile

During the winter season, essential goods become a matter of survival for the most fragile people, whether they are residents or displaced. The communities we support include individuals who have lost their basic goods, their jobs, or are living in conditions of great precariousness due to conflict or ongoing economic difficulties.

Our teams of social workers carry out a thorough needs assessment within the different communities in order to provide suitable winter equipment. These efforts aim to protect the most deprived from the cold, in the most exposed regions of the country, notably in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, Akkar, Nabatieh, South Lebanon and Baalbeck-Hermel.

An example of international solidarity

This initiative embodies the power of international solidarity. It shows how, by joining forces, we can make a real difference in the lives of populations facing serious difficulties. Each gesture of support demonstrates a shared humanity and gives the most deprived the means to get through the winter with dignity.

We express our most sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Monaco, as well as to all those who took part in this beautiful chain of solidarity. This commitment inspires and gives hope to thousands of people who, thanks to your help, will be able to face the winter in better conditions.

Together, we prove that generosity has no borders.

During his visit to Beirut, President Emmanuel Macron reunited with the Order of Malta Lebanon teams, whom he had first met during his 2020 visit following the Beirut explosion. This time, he took the opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers for their unwavering dedication, particularly during the recent war, recognizing their critical role in providing care and support to those in need across the country and especially in the south.

OML expressed their gratitude to France’s support to its programs empowering local communities, despite the immense challenges posed by the multi-dimensional crises and regional tensions.

This brief visit offered a unique opportunity to showcase the impact of OML’s efforts, from delivering essential healthcare services to food security. It also emphasized the power of collaboration between humanitarian organizations and international partners in building resilience and ensuring dignity for all.

In a shared commitment to tackling the social and humanitarian challenges in Lebanon, the Lebanese Army, the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), and the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta have signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement was signed on Tuesday January 7, 2025, by General Joseph Aoun, Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, Major General Diodate Abagnara, representing the MTC4L, and Mr. Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta, also known as the Order of Malta Lebanon.

This partnership builds on the long-standing cooperation between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Lebanese state in serving vulnerable populations with professionalism and transparency. It also highlights the deep and enduring relationship between the Order of Malta Lebanon and the Lebanese Army, founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the Lebanese people.

The initiative brings together the Lebanese Army, the MTC4L, and the Order of Malta Lebanon, an organization with nationwide operations in Lebanon that runs over 60 projects in healthcare, social support, and agro-humanitarian development to assist the most disadvantaged communities. The MTC4L, established at an international level is currently composed of 8 members (Italy, Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union), observers/partners and contributors (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Japan, the European External Action Service – EEAS, the European Union Military Staff – EUMS, UNIFIL, UNSCOL, Qatar, Belgium and Denmark), operates under Italian leadership. It has a dual mission: to support the Lebanese Army and, more importantly, the Lebanese population through humanitarian initiatives. The MTC4L acts in compliance with current United Nations resolutions and bilateral and international missions operating in Lebanon.

These three entities unite under an apolitical banner to contribute to Lebanon’s stability and resilience, emphasizing the complementary roles of civilian and military collaboration. This partnership aligns with the humanitarian mission of the Order of Malta to assist vulnerable populations.

Joint committees representing the three institutions will oversee the planning and implementation of their joint actions to ensure alignment with national and community priorities. The agreement takes immediate effect and is set for an initial term of three years, with automatic renewals, ensuring a long-term collaboration.

The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture and the Order of Malta Lebanon have signed a cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening efforts in agricultural and rural development in Lebanon, marking a renewed commitment to supporting farmers, particularly in the country’s most vulnerable regions.

This cooperation protocol, signed by Dr. Abbas Hajj Hassan, Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Order of Malta Lebanon, builds on the cooperation agreement established in 2009 between the Lebanese Republic and the Sovereign Order of Malta, which has been renewed since.

This agreement, resulting from a reflection on strengthening partnerships between the public sector and civil society, aims to pool the resources and expertise of both institutions to develop the agricultural sector and promote sustainable projects in rural areas. The focus is on improving agricultural services through rural development programs, providing technical and logistical support to farmers, and promoting sustainable development initiatives in agriculture.

After the signing, Minister Hajj Hassan emphasized the importance of partnerships with civil society to support farmers and enhance rural development, while Mr. Sehnaoui reaffirmed the commitment of the Order of Malta Lebanon to improve the living conditions of farmers as part of its agro-humanitarian program.

This collaboration represents a joint effort to complement the initiatives of both parties and marks an important step toward inclusive and sustainable growth in Lebanon’s rural areas, with the goal of reaching and assisting targeted groups and ensuring that the collaboration produces tangible results for improving the lives of Lebanon’s farmers.

Berlin, December 13, 2024 – The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia, hosted a high-profile event on Thursday evening to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and explore pathways for reconstruction and sustainable economic development, with the participation of Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock,

Lebanon, a country deeply affected by years of political and economic turmoil, faces an escalating humanitarian emergency, exacerbated by the aftermath of regional conflicts. This event, held at the Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the German government, international organizations, and civil society.

The event began with an opening speech by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, Media and Head of State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia. In his remarks, Minister Liminski highlighted the urgency of providing immediate assistance to Lebanon while ensuring sustainable support for its long-term recovery.

A keynote address by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored Germany’s commitment to alleviating the humanitarian plight in Lebanon. She emphasized the urgent need for international solidarity in providing immediate relief and supporting Lebanon’s reconstruction. It was followed by a greeting word by Mrs. Suzan Mouzi Deputy head of mission for the Embassy of Lebanon in Berlin,  who expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of Germany and its partners.

The event also featured a panel discussion on coordinated efforts to stabilize Lebanon. Speakers included: Nathanael Liminski, Niels Annen (Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development), Josef Neumann (Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Health, and Social Affairs in the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia), in addition to Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Order of Malta Lebanon.

Sehnaoui opened the panel by delivering a compelling impulse on the situation in Lebanon and the organization’s unwavering commitment to its people, grateful to the long-standing support of the German government and to its partner Malteser International. He highlighted the Order’s continuous efforts to address the acute needs of displaced families, underprivileged communities, and marginalized groups, Sehnaoui called for sustained global support for reconstruction and socio-economic recovery.

Moderated by Marie von Manteuffel of Caritas International, the panel emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives like those undertaken by the Order of Malta Lebanon. These efforts include food security, agriculture, healthcare, and vital infrastructure support for displaced populations and vulnerable communities.

The event concluded with a renewed call for international cooperation to support Lebanon as a beacon of coexistence in a region marked by conflict. Minister Nathanael Liminski stated, “Preserving Lebanon as a place of harmony between religions and cultures is not just a regional priority but a global responsibility.”

The presence of the Order of Malta Lebanon underscored the essential role of humanitarian organizations in fostering hope and resilience amid adversity.

We extend our sincere gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann, Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and her esteemed delegation for welcoming the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta and organizing insightful meetings on December 10th, with representatives from key UN agencies, including the World Health Organization, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In addition, meetings and important discussions took place with the Permanent Representatives of the Lebanese Republic and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UN in Geneva.
We wish to express our profound appreciation to all those who have welcomed us, for their time and the valuable exchanges shared, particularly during these challenging times for our country.

On October 5, The Order of Malta Lebanon, in collaboration with the UN Inter-Agency Mission, including WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, as well as NRC, has successfully completed the withdrawal of its 8th Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and 3rd Mobile Community Kitchen (MCK) located in Tyre. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UN agencies for their unwavering collaboration and to the OML dedicated team for their courage in all circumstances. Our commitment to providing relief and hope to the vulnerable communities in southern Lebanon remains strong, as we continue to adapt and respond to their needs during these challenging times.

On October 1st, with a heavy heart and a lot of courage, we successfully organized the evacuation of 1,000 persons, mainly sick persons, women and children, from the southern border villages of Ain Ebel, Debel and Rmeich, along with our 7th Mobile Medical Unit and staff. The convoy safely reached Beirut, with the help and coordination of the Lebanese Armed Forces, the UNIFIL as well as the UN OCHA. The Order of Malta Lebanon has been present in this area for the past 40 years. Our heroic doctor remains on duty with a stockpile of chronic and non-chronic medications as well as essential supplies to treat and serve those who chose to stay behind.

On September 23, 2024, Israeli attacks killed over 600 people across Lebanon, marking the deadliest day in nearly two decades. Israel has warned civilians to evacuate targeted areas. Heavy traffic congestion has been observed as families flee to safer regions.

As tensions rise, 90,000 persons have been displaced, mostly from southern Lebanon. Families are seeking refuge in northern areas, putting a strain on local resources. 311 schools are now being used as shelters for displaced individuals.

While OML continues its daily operations throughout its existing network, it is accommodating its services and adapting its initiatives to enhance its response according to the assessment of relief needs arising daily.

OML’s response is focused on fulfilling  basic needs’ assistance to the displaced population in the vicinities of its projects, in the following sectors of intervention : NFIs – Food Security – Health / Nutrition – Psychosocial and ensuring medical and health care services to save and preserve human lives as well as providing psychosocial support to the most affected population, whilst prioritizing the safety, security and well-being of all OML beneficiaries, staff and partners.

Affected displaced people across Lebanon, in the vicinities of OML centers & projects, among them all vulnerable population groups, with special attention to those whose needs are greatest (i.e. children, pregnant women, nursing women, elderlies and people with disabilities…)

OML is committed to:

• play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of war and displacement.
• help people cope with the emotional and psychological toll of crises by providing mental health and psychosocial support.
• help affected population to recover after the emergency.
• offer timely medical care to reduce the spread of infections.
• care for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic illnesses, who are at higher risk during emergencies.
• provide essential medicines for the treatment of various health conditions.

In times of hardship, solidarity is the strength that keeps Lebanon’s heart united and unbroken.

We are proud to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lebanese Armed Forces represented by General Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, and the Order of Malta Lebanon, represented by President Marwan Sehnaoui.
This MoU extends our long-standing collaboration in the health sector to embrace development programs, reflecting our joint commitment to Lebanon’s future.