On January 13th, H.E. Michel Veuthey, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to monitor and combat trafficking in persons, Emanuele G. A. Piluso, Attaché of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in Geneva, along with Kevin Hyland OBE, Former UK Government’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner from 2014 to 2018 and Chief Executive of PRAEVENI GLOBAL, traveled to Rome to meet with H.E. Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini, Secretary General of Foreign Affairs of the Sovereign Order of Malta, at Palazzo Magistrale. The following day, January 14th, they held a productive meeting with Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ, Director of the Institute of Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome. The purpose of both meetings was to continue the organization of a significant international conference scheduled for December 2025 in Rome, marking the 25th anniversary of the Palermo Protocol. The conference aims to underscore the global importance of the Protocol in the fight against human trafficking and foster international cooperation in this critical area.
At Palazzo Magistrale, with Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini, they discussed the key objectives of the conference, including its structure, speakers, and the involvement of international stakeholders. The focus was on ensuring broad participation and expert contributions, with particular attention to the representation of various international organizations and governments.
Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ, at the Pontifical Gregorian University, shared his insights on the physical organization of the conference, including logistics, venue arrangements, and the planning of various sessions. Additionally, they discussed the speakers and thematic panels.
Both meetings were highly productive, and all participants expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the success of the conference. With the collaboration of all parties involved, the event is poised to make a significant impact on the global fight against human trafficking. The preparations continue to move forward, with growing anticipation for the conference in December 2025.
