Award-Winning Humanitarian Daniel Solymári’s Mission: Addressing Migration at Its Roots for a Peaceful Future

Daniel Solymári, Director of Foreign Affairs for the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, has been recognized by Pope Francis for his dedicated humanitarian work with migrants. The Pope recently honored Solymári with the Order of Saint Sylvester, a prestigious award given by the Holy See to secular individuals for exceptional service.

Solymári plays a key role in the Order of Malta’s extensive humanitarian network, which operates in over 120 countries. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, the organization has been actively involved in providing aid to refugees arriving in Hungary. Solymári, who has held his current position since 2010, also serves as a Counsellor at the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Jordan, a role he has held since 2020.

Beyond Hungary, Solymári has been instrumental in relief efforts in conflict zones such as Syria and sub-Saharan Africa, helping refugees and migrants affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters. His work includes emergency aid, resettlement services, and advocacy for long-term solutions to the migration crisis. He has also written extensively on Pope Francis’ pastoral care for refugees and migrants.

In his public statements, Solymári emphasizes the importance of addressing migration at its roots. “Migration starts at a local level,” he said, “and unless we address the issues where they originate, we cannot offer effective solutions.” He called for a coordinated global response to migration, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, especially in large host countries.

Referencing Pope Francis, Solymári criticized the short-term integration policies of many host countries, arguing that genuine integration requires more time and resources. “We cannot expect an African or Asian refugee to integrate into Europe in just a few months,” he stated. The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, he explained, is deeply involved in refugee resettlement and integration, particularly in Hungary, where the challenge has grown due to the Ukraine crisis.

Solymári acknowledged the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries, including Hungary, making it one of Europe’s largest refugee challenges since 2015. However, he urged the international community not to forget other migration crises around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia.

A scholar and seasoned diplomat, Solymári has an impressive academic background, having studied theology at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, international relations at Cambridge University, and security policy at King’s College London. He also holds a postgraduate degree in humanitarian law from the International Red Cross. His research focuses on geopolitics, migration, and international aid, particularly in the Global South.

His contributions have been recognized with several awards and research grants, and he continues to serve in numerous leadership roles, including as Presidential Advisor to Caritas Syria and Secretary of the Africa Research Centre in Pécs. Solymári remains a key figure in shaping global migration policy and advocating for peaceful coexistence between nations.