More than 40 representatives from 8 countries together with representatives of the Grand Magistry in Rome took part in the Conference of the Order of Malta Relief Organizations of Central and Eastern Europe which was held on-line on 26-27 March.

The Grand Chancellor H.E. Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager and the Grand Hospitaller H.E. Dominique de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel honoured their participation. The two-day meeting was also attended by H.E. Niels Carl Alexander Lorijn Ambassador of the Order of Malta in Poland, Alexandra Konarska, Counsellor of the Embassy in Poland with the rank of Minister and Aleksandra Węglarzy from the Malta Medical Service – Malta Aid.
During the meeting the participants discussed how the pandemic situation which has lasted over a year influences the work of organizations in particular countries, what new challenges and new needs emerge in connection with it and how to cope with them.

The participants also discussed how to improve the exchange of information and facilitate contacts through the use of modern IT tools in order to strengthen cooperation between the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and thus improve the effectiveness of their actions. Finally, the participants tried to answer the question how the current situation affects volunteers, especially the young ones, and how our activities affect their functioning and development in an isolated world.
A large part of the meeting was dedicated to reflecting on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and how the actions of religious organizations can respond to Pope Francis’ call.

As always, the conference was an excellent opportunity to share experiences, insights, and to build cooperation, which always opens up more possibilities for action and change world for the better.