Back-
International Ombudsman Conference Rome 2026
An intense exchange between institutions, experts, and human rights guardians. Focus on democracy, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the protection of citizens.
The International Ombudsman Conference Rome 2026, promoted by the National Coordination of Italian Ombudsmen and the Ombudsman of the Lazio Region, concluded with strong participation and significant results. The event brought together in the Italian capital representatives of ombudsman institutions from numerous countries, along with members of public administrations, academia, and organizations engaged in the protection of fundamental rights.
The Conference represented an important opportunity for discussion on the challenges that oversight institutions are called to face in a constantly evolving society, fostering dialogue between national and international experiences united by the shared goal of making public administration increasingly transparent, accessible, efficient, and close to citizens.
Particularly significant was the presence of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), represented by Mrs. Caroline Sokoni, Ombudsman of Zambia and Treasurer of the IOI, whose contribution enriched the debate with a global perspective on the challenges of contemporary ombudsmanship. The IOI’s participation demonstrated the attention and support of the international ombudsman community for the initiative, strengthening the value of global cooperation among oversight institutions.
Alongside the IOI, IOI Europe also took part in the proceedings, represented by Maria Stylianou Lottides, Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights of Cyprus, Ombudsman, Director of IOI Europe, and First Vice President of AOM. Her presence further enhanced the European dialogue on the prospects of ombudsmanship, with particular reference to the protection of human rights and the strengthening of institutional networks.
The proceedings opened with a significant institutional event hosted at the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), dedicated to the relationship between ombudsmanship and local authorities. The initiative, carried out in cooperation with ANCI Lazio thanks to the availability of its President and Mayor of Rieti, Daniele Sinibaldi, allowed for an in-depth analysis of the strategic role of local authorities in protecting citizens’ rights and highlighted best practices developed at the local level, confirming the importance of institutional cooperation for modern, effective, and participatory governance.
Particularly intense and meaningful was the meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who received the Conference participants in audience. In his message, the Pontiff emphasized the value of listening, human dignity, and the responsibility of institutions in promoting justice, solidarity, and inclusion. This moment conferred a high moral and human profile to the entire event, reaffirming the centrality of the person as the foundation of public action.
The conference activities then continued on 28 and 29 May at the Chamber of Deputies, where ombudsmen, institutional representatives, scholars, and experts from various countries discussed the most relevant issues of our time: the protection of fundamental rights, the relationship between citizens and public administrations, access to public services, the protection of the most vulnerable individuals, the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence on rights, and new forms of democratic participation.
The working sessions fostered an intense exchange of experiences and best practices, contributing to the development of a shared vision on the future of ombudsmanship and on strengthening the role of ombudsmen as guarantors of proximity, administrative fairness, and effective protection of rights.
The Conference confirmed that oversight institutions today represent a fundamental pillar of democracy, legality, and social cohesion, capable of strengthening citizens’ trust in institutions and promoting an administrative culture increasingly oriented toward serving the individual.
The broad international participation, the high level of scientific and institutional contributions, and the spirit of cooperation that characterized all working days constitute a valuable legacy destined to produce positive effects well beyond the conclusion of the event.
Rome 2026 leaves behind not only an important moment of international exchange, but also an even stronger network of relationships, expertise, and shared commitments for the protection of rights, the proper functioning of public administrations, and the promotion of active and informed citizenship.
“The Rome Conference has demonstrated that ombudsmanship is today an increasingly global and strategic reality. Ombudsmen from different cultures, legal systems, and traditions shared a common principle: placing the person at the center of public action. From Rome, a clear message emerges of international cooperation, dialogue, and rights protection that strengthens the role of oversight institutions in the contemporary world,” said Marino Fardelli, Ombudsman of the Lazio Region and President of the National Coordination of Italian Ombudsmen.
“The Regional Council of Lazio and the Conference of Italian Legislative Assemblies welcomed this moment of international dialogue with great interest. The protection of rights, the quality of public administration, and closeness to citizens are essential elements for the stability of our democracies. The Conference highlighted how important it is to invest in institutional dialogue and in building cooperation networks capable of addressing the challenges of the present and the future,” said Antonello Aurigemma, President of the Regional Council of Lazio.
The Ombudsman of the Lazio Region continues to represent the human face of institutions: a bridge between citizens and administrations, between rights and responsibilities, between listening and justice. A mission that the International Ombudsman Conference Rome 2026 has helped to strengthen, projecting it into an increasingly European and global dimension.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman of the Lazio Region
