---
title: "World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Namaskar friends, I'm"
url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3730-congress-thai99-reports-malta.html"
date: "2026-11-06T00:21:41+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta

**International Vegetarian Union (IVU)** | ![IVU logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/members/pics/ivu-con4.gif) |  |
|---|---|
 | ![Congress Logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/thai99/pics/logo99.gif) **33rd World Vegetarian Congress**    Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999    *'Vegetarianism is the Way'*    an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience  Namaskar friends,  I'm wondering whether any of you would like to take a few hints from the following press release which we sent out to all the media. It was broadcast on most of the radio stations. Giving the local touch to the AP report makes a lot of difference.  Katherine  PRESS RELEASE   To: All Media  VEGETARIAN SOCIETY OF MALTA IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND  A five-person delegation from the Vegetarian Society of Malta arrived from Chiang Mai, Thailand, after taking part in the 33rd World Vegetarian Congress. It was the first time that Malta was represented since the setting-up of the Maltese society 6 years ago.   Margaret Grech, spokesperson for the Maltese society, said that the information and experience gained in the conference is enormous. It is clear that Malta is keeping step with progress elsewhere in the world with regards to the promotion of a healthy, cruelty free and environmentally friendly lifestyle. The results achieved by the Malta Vegetarian Society so far are considered remarkable by the global vegetarian community, and for this reason our delegation was delegated the task of conducting a workshop with the topic: *Small is Beautiful - Starting and Developing a Vegetarian Group*.  "We came home with so much confidence. The contacts we made in Chiang Mai will provide unlimited proof that a vegetarian, even strictly vegan, diet is not only enough to survive but provides all the nutritional requirements a person needs to live a normal healthy life, without any of the risks associated with eating habits. It was a real pleasure to meet a number of outstanding personalities in the vegetarian world, like for example Dr Ruth Heidrich, a strict vegan, who at age 63 is still a champion triathlete, with 600 medals to her name, as well as Arne Winqwist, an 80-year old raw fooder, who last year went on a 1,500 km cycling tour from Switzerland to Sweden, as well as various distinguished scientists and long-time vegetarian activists.  A good number of overseas delegates showed interest and enthusiasm when it was announced that a Mediterranean Vegetarian Festival is planned to take place in Malta between the 1st and 4th October, 1999. It is expected that about a 100 vegetarians from around the Mediterranean will attend.  Margaret Grech   Tel. 410743  Katherine Azzopardi   Tel. 695812  20.1.99      A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 1140    ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![Quick Cashew Cheese Sauce](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/quick-cashew-cheese-sauce_f20183cce4516a07c416b446445f17a0.jpg "Quick Cashew Cheese Sauce")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/quick-cashew-cheese-sauce.html "Quick Cashew Cheese Sauce")           ####  [Quick Cashew Cheese Sauce](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/quick-cashew-cheese-sauce.html "Quick Cashew Cheese Sauce")            [Sauces](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/sauces.html) [Vegan Cheese](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vegan-cheese.html) - [![VEGAN MAYONNAISE SAUCE](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th11%2055_afda553432469ad76a846fc45a4aefc5.jpg "VEGAN MAYONNAISE SAUCE")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mayonnaise-sauce.html "VEGAN MAYONNAISE SAUCE")           ####  [VEGAN MAYONNAISE SAUCE](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mayonnaise-sauce.html "VEGAN MAYONNAISE SAUCE")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) [Sauces](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/sauces.html) - [![Moroccan-Style Tofu with Olives and Preserved Lemon](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/moroccan-style-tofu-with-olives-and-preserved-lemon-1775427464_2948e4020d3841a10198e36596a78187.jpg "Moroccan-Style Tofu with Olives and Preserved Lemon")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/moroccan-style-tofu-with-olives-and-preserved-lemon.html "Moroccan-Style Tofu with Olives and Preserved Lemon")           ####  [Moroccan-Style Tofu with Olives and Preserved Lemon](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/moroccan-style-tofu-with-olives-and-preserved-lemon.html "Moroccan-Style Tofu with Olives and Preserved Lemon")            [Protein Rich](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/proteiin-rich.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Morocco](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/morocco.html) [Whole Food Plant Based](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/whole-plant-based.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - [![Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/horta_e66fa8cd34cb1da116152cac15dcd04c.jpg "Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/cultivating-sustainability-gardens-and-composting-for-the-planets-future.html "Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future")           ####  [Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/cultivating-sustainability-gardens-and-composting-for-the-planets-future.html "Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/cultivating-sustainability-gardens-and-composting-for-the-planets-future.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                                ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7320 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html)       ### Departments  - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html)     - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html)       ### Regions  - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html)       ### Blogs  - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html) |

## Schema

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html?view=article&id=3730:congress-thai99-reports-malta&catid=167","url":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html?view=article&id=3730:congress-thai99-reports-malta&catid=167","name":"World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience…","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#wvc-1999"}}]}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://ivu.org"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "IVU",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "Resources",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 4,
            "name": "Interviews",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 5,
            "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 6,
            "name": "congress",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 7,
            "name": "thai99",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 8,
            "name": "reports",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 9,
            "name": "World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3730-congress-thai99-reports-malta.html"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3730-congress-thai99-reports-malta.html"
    },
    "headline": "World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta",
    "description": "World Vegetarian Congress - Press Release by the Vegetarian Society of Malta: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Namaskar friends, I'm",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "International Vegetarian Union",
        "logo": {
            "@type": "ImageObject",
            "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png"
        }
    },
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Alex Fernandes",
        "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:46+00:00",
    "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:05:24+00:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:35+00:00"
}
```
