Bangkok, February 24th-27th, 2026 – The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and its Observer Status with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), has been invited to join the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD).

Held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, the Forum is an annual, inclusive, intergovernmental platform to support the follow-up and review of progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the regional level.

The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has appointed the Vice Delegate, Dame Commander Paola Benaglia, as Representative to take part in the event under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all”. Special focuses under review will be: clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation; infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities.

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Bangkok, April 21-25 2025

The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) has been invited to join the The eighty-first session, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, guided by the theme “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific”.
The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia to participate to this be part of this conversation on shaping sustainable, inclusive and future-ready cities for all and to drive regional cooperation.
It was a good opportunity to greet H.E. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of ESCAP meet government leaders, planners and experts also thanks to a reception hosted by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bangkok, April 23 and 25, 2025

His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Thailand and Cambodia, and Apostolic Delegate to Laos since 2023, has adviced the signing of the Book of Condolence at the Apostolic Nunciature in Bangkok to mourn and give thanks for the life of our Pastor, and arranged a Holy Mass held at Assumption Cathedral for the repose of the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has requested the presence of the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia at this solemn occasion, joined by religious leaders from all faiths in Thailand and the Diplomatic Corps.

The Vice Delegate has honoured the legacy of our beloved Holy Father handling to H.E. the Nuncio a donation for the earthquake victims in Myanmar, gathered by contribution from H.E. the Delegate, the First Secretary of Delegation, the Vice Delegate herself and her brother visiting Thailand.

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Bangkok, 25-28 February 2025 – The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) has been invited to join the Twelfth Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia to participate to this Conference which theme was “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific”.
Sustained economic growth in Asia and the Pacific has lifted millions out of poverty, yet progress lags—less than 1/6 of targets are on track.
Leaders stressed the urgency of bold, targeted actions to accelerate progress: investing in climate resilience and clean energy; transforming food systems; harnessing tech for inclusive, sustainable growth, highlighting the need for a just transition to green and blue economies—ensuring sustainability while creating decent jobs.

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Bangkok, 20-23 February 2024

The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP, based in Bangkok) received an invitation letter from Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, regarding the Eleventh Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, which has been held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 20 to 23 February 2024.

The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia to participate to the Eleventh Forum which theme was “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions in Asia and the Pacific, in preparation of Summit of the Future, to be held in New York on 22 and 23 September 2024.

The event included the launch of 2024 Asia-Pacific SDG Partnership Report on the topic of “People and Planet: Addressing the Interlinked Challenges of Climate Change, Poverty and Hunger in Asia and the Pacific”.

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Bangkok, 15-17 November 2023 – The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) has been invited to join the 7th Asian Pacific Population Conference of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) which was held from 15 to 17 November 2023, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNF).
The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia to participate to this Conference which convenes every ten years, a pivotal moment coinciding with other important events:  

• the 75-year anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human rights 
• the 60-year commemoration of the first Asian Population Conference, held in 1963 in India
• the 10-year anniversary of the adoption of the 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development
• the half-way mark to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific
• the 30-year review of the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

Opening remarks were delivered, amongst others, by H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister, Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

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Nakhon Nayok, July 15, 2023

The Vice Delegate visited Chayapruk Foundation in Nakhon Nayok Province, a center for abandoned children created by Doctor Cleopandh Soorapanthu, a senior obstetrician in an international hospital in Bangkok, to provide a shelter and full education to abused youngsters, including skills such as cooking and gardening, besides mathematics, English, music.
The safe and warm environment called “home” by 26 vivacious students depends entirely on the efforts of the founder, a few volunteers and occasional donations.
The Vice Delegate spent a merry day at the charity organization and was glad to present a financial help.
Heartfelt thanks to Mister Daniel Herron who, together with Madam Agneta Bekassy De Bekas, suggested the initiative to the Delegation; not only, Mister Daniel Herron kindly accompanied the Vice Delegate to tour the three-building complex, the Church and the farm.
Special recognition to Madam Stella Njiru and Dottor Andrea Poggio for their company.

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Bangkok, 15-19 May 2023

The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP, based in Bangkok) has been invited to join the seventy-ninth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) which was held from 15 to 19 May 2023 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

Guided by the theme “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development”, the annual session has been an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation on climate change.

The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate Dame Commander Paola Benaglia to participate to this session, joined by Government leaders from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to discuss policy options required in the region, to foster ambitious climate action in Asia and the Pacific towards net-zero pathways and limit global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

To be noted, the presence of H.E. Ms. Maria Tripodi, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, who had several fruitful meetings such as with Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and the Thai Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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Bangkok, 27-30 March 2023 – The Constantinian Order, thanks to its Special Consultive Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizations, and Observer at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP, based in Bangkok) has been invited to join the «Tenth Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development» (APFSD), which was held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC).
The Delegate for Southeast Asia, H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, has designated the Vice Delegate to participate to this international event, focused on accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, towards the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit. The Tenth Forum was attended by more than 1,700 participants, including representatives of Governments, intergovernmental organizations, United Nations bodies, international organizations and major groups and other stakeholders, as well as representatives of the 48 members and associate members of ESCAP.

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Bangkok, 15 February 2023 – The link between transparency, information, and the environment is more salient than ever: USAID, WWF, FCCT, ARIEL, Internews, ODI and environmental journalists are promoting inclusive environmental governance. The Vice Delegate joined an event at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand to learn about the latest insights on the issues, and interact with expert journalists and practitioners and their shared vision. Full reports can be found at asiapacific.panda.org

Speakers were
Hosting: Italian national Stefano Zenobi, Data and Transparency Specialist, USAID Mekong for the Future
USAID Remarks: Aaron Brownell, Director, Regional Environment Office, USAID/RDMA
Report presentation: Matthew Baird – Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law (ARIEL)
Report presentation: Pyrou Chung – Open Development Initiative (ODI)
Partnership presentation: Paritta Wangkiat/Amy Sim (Internews)

Dr. Pyi Soe Aung, WWF Myanmar
Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch
Mr. Pasakorn Jumlongrach, Transborder news
Ms. Thapanee Eadsrichai, The Reporters

Moderated by: Panu Wongcha-um, President of the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand.

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Thonburi, 2 February 2023 – The Delegate H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, in His capacity as Private Councillor to the Grand Master, Knight of the Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Januarius, having received authorization and full power from His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Grand Master, to represent Him in this auspicious occasion, conferred upon Mister Peerapun Napasri the Rank of Grand Officer of the Royal Order of Francis I, in the beautiful premises of Khlong Bang Luang Palace.

The distinguished Guests gathered to cheer as well the 91st Birthday of H.E. Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, whose granddaughter Dottoressa Donna Esmeralda was present, who flew to Thailand all the way from Italy to represent the Spada Family on this historic moment.

The Ambassadors of Belgium, Italy, Poland (the latter, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps), the Deputy Ambassador of Maldives, a former Thai Ambassador to Italy joined the Investiture Ceremony and lunch, organized with the kind hospitality of Mister Peerapun Napasri and Family, and the assistance of the Vice Delegate and the First Secretary of Delegation.

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Bangkok, 18 January 2023 – At the presence of the Honourable Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, His Excellency Paolo Dionisi presided the inauguration of “ALMA The School Food”, founded to spread Italian food culture in Thailand.
His Excellency Don Antonio Benedetto Spada, Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius, Delegate for Southeast Asia, accompanied by the Vice Delegate and the First Secretary, attended the event organized to celebrate Italian culinary arts in the Kingdom.

Bangkok, 18 January 2023 – At the Foreign Correspondents Club, the Vice Delegate offered a donation to Joseph H. Maeir, the priest simply known as Father Joe in the Bangkok slum community where he lives and works. Few foreigners have achieved such revered status in Thailand. Father Joe co-founded the Human Development Center, better known as the Mercy Center, with a Thai Catholic nun, Sister Maria, in 1973. 2023 marks the priest’s half-century of service to the slum dwellers, providing education from kindergarten level upwards, an outreach program and legal aid services for children trafficked into the sex industry or surviving on the streets. Father Joe was the driving force behind a landmark HIV/AIDS program that fed and housed people of all ages living with AIDS, as well as children orphaned by the disease during the height of the epidemic in the 1990s and beyond. The Mercy Center’s work extended to the indigenous Moken community in southern Thailand following the Asian tsunami in 2004. Its home care program for people living with AIDS — delivered by HIV-positive people — provided a model that was replicated elsewhere in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The priest gained a loyal readership of his Bangkok Post column filled with human stories about the foibles, heartbreaks and strengths of people UN officials call the “urban poor” but he calls “family”. He authored Welcome to the Bangkok Slaughterhouse, and The Gospel of Father Joe: Revolutions and Revelations in the Slums of Bangkok. The Mercy Center has assisted tens of thousands of Thais in need and garnered recognition from Her Majesty Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The evening at FCCT, which considered the event a “Night of Honour”, celebrated Father Joe’s remarkable life and service, and gave a chance to hear his concerns about how Thailand’s underprivileged still need far more attention. The priest has been joined by Khun Choy, a Mercy Center lifelong staff member, and Tom Crowley, author of Mercy’s Heroes – The Fight for Human Dignity in the Bangkok Slums.

Bangkok, 19 January 2023 – The Vice Delegate attended the inauguration of Walk!, an exhibition showcasing photographs of people who lost a limb to accident or illness held at the Central Embassy shopping mall, officially opened by Princess Lea of Belgium (on Her third private visit to Thailand) and H.S.H. Prince Chalermsuk Yugala. The four-day exhibition is being held in collaboration with the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. the Princess Mother and the Thai fashion house Voravaj Bangkok. On display, oversized photographs of amputees in fashionable attire along with a synopsis of their life stories and what they did to overcome the difficulties in life. “The exhibition aims to create awareness about the help Prostheses Foundation has been giving amputees for 30 years,” Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz, the Chairman of Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation said. “The exhibition wants to send a message to all of those who face similar difficulties, that whatever the circumstances may be, dreams can always be achieved.” Princess Lea of Belgium, during Her stay. will attend various events celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, no profit organization.

Bangkok, 24 January 2023 – Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
By kind invitation of Dato Steve Cheah, Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I, the Vice Delegate joined the Fifth International Day of Education, celebrated under the theme “to invest in people, prioritize education”, attended by several Ambassadors (Bangladesh, Bahrein, Malaysia, Kenya, Kosovo…) and UN representatives.

Pattaya, 28 January 2023 – The Vice Delegate attended the “H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup”, Thai Polo event aimed at fundraising for Chitrlada Technology Institute.

Bangkok, 26 January 2023 – The Vice Delegate attended the “Lion Dinner”, an event about Thainess, gastronomy, art, culture and friendship between nations, presided by Princess Lea of Belgium and Prince Chalermsuk Yugala, organized by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Simmanukulkij Foundation, as a part of a series of events aimed at celebrating its 15 years of successful activities. Amongst the Guests, Ambassadors of countries such as Israel, Singapore and Representatives of various Thai Ministeries. The Foundation has organized many activities and events over the years, such as books publishing, the inauguration of statues, the organization of many charity campaigns and important commemorative events, musical and artistic projects; it has built a complete football stadium to allow the community to play sports and get away from drugs, and has hosted members of the Royal families of Thailand, Belgium, and other countries, in important gala dinners.  
The Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation does not rely on outside donations to bring its projects to success. All projects are, for the most important part, funded by private donations of the Chairman and the board members.

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