The JOIN Annual General Meeting 2025 was hosted by St John Malta. It took place in the historical city of Valletta, a place with a special meaning for the twenty delegates who met to discuss a broad spectrum of topics. Back into history, the Order of St John moved in the year 1530 to Malta, where it governed over 250 years until it was expelled by Napoleon in 1798.
The first day began with our Chairman, Christian Velten-Jameson, outlining the activities of the Board and the network over the past twelve months. He highlighted the publication of the second edition of JOIN European First Aid Guidelines, the events of the Volunteer Swap programme, and the publication of a third story as part of ‘European First Aid for 5 to 7 years old’. All delegates warmly approved the application of St John Ambulance Cymru to become a member of Johanniter International.
This was followed by presentations from the working groups providing more detailed information about their activities. The Head of the Clinical Working Group (Richard Webber) circulated a printed version of the second edition of JOIN European First Aid Guidelines. He also reported on the implementation of the Erasmus+ PROBANT project, aiming to develop first aid material for 8 to 12 years old. The new mission of the PR, Marketing & Communication Working Group (led by Petra Grell-Kunzinger) will be to support activities of other Working Groups on an ad hoc basis. Delegates welcomed the encouraging numbers taking part in the Volunteer Swap programme organised by the Volunteering & Youth Working Group (chaired by Nancy Kestler). Finally, the Fundraising Working Group (chaired by Frederik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig) reported on latest developments concerning reporting directives for larger companies and NGOs, as well as fundraising campaign for our member from Jerusalem.
Two further presentations were given by Harriet Wheeler (St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group), outlining the humanitarian response to the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and Thomas Vorwerk (Swiss Johanniter), providing an update on the Alliance Orders Charity Cooperation Group.
On the second day, the delegates gave an overview of the general activities of their respective charities within the past twelve months. The work of the Brussels Office was outlined by Joachim Berney, our General Manager, who provided detail of its activities. Eva Pelgen (JOIN Office) presented the ongoing TeamUP research project.
The delegates unanimously elected Christian Velten-Jameson (Association des Oeuvres de Saint-Jean France) as Chair for the next two years and Petra Grell-Kunzinger (Johanniter Austria) as Vice Chair. Two other Board members were elected – Andrew Grech (St John Malta), and Friederike von Bar (Johanniter Germany).
Finally, after what was perceived by all delegates to be a successful AGM, a last tour de table provided the opportunity for lively discussion of common interests, issues and future strategies.
The AGM 2026 will most probably take place in Vienna from 29th to 31st May.