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The participants of the International Ombudsman Conference
The Office of the Ombudsman of Malta celebrated its 30th Anniversary with an international conference held under the theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman” on 15–16 October 2025.
The event brought together Ombudsmen, human rights defenders, and representatives of accountability institutions from across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond to reflect on the evolving mission of the Ombudsman in today’s complex governance landscape.
Celebrating a milestone in oversight and democracy
In his opening address, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, reflected on the Office’s journey from its inception to its current constitutional status, reaffirming its mission as a “guardian of fairness, trust, and justice for every person.”
The Hon. Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, underlined Parliament’s duty to protect the Ombudsman’s independence and ensure that recommendations are acted upon.
A video message by Ms Nadine Mailloux, Ombudsman of Montréal and newly appointed President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), was also featured during the opening session, expressing solidarity and congratulations to the Maltese Office on its anniversary.
Themes and Discussions
Across four plenary sessions, participants explored the Ombudsman’s role in promoting democracy, protecting human rights, advancing ethical governance, and embracing digital innovation.
- Panel 1: Building People’s Trust – The Ombudsman as a Pillar of Democracy in Times of Change - Speakers underscored that trust is the cornerstone of democratic governance and that the Ombudsman’s impartiality and accessibility remain essential in an era of disinformation and institutional fatigue.
- Panel 2: Safeguarding Fundamental Rights – The Ombudsman in the Face of New Challenges The discussion focused on the Ombudsman’s role in protecting vulnerable persons, particularly in times of conflict, migration, and social transformation.
- Panel 3: Advancing Ethical Governance – Strengthening Integrity and the Principles of Good Administration - Speakers from Cyprus, Malta, Finland, Azerbaijan, and the Czech Republic reflected on the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability as the ethical foundations of public administration.
- Panel 4: Embracing Technological Innovation – The Ombudsman’s Role in the Age of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence - Experts and Ombudsmen from Croatia, Estonia, Barcelona, and the Council of Europe discussed both the opportunities and ethical challenges posed by AI in public administration, calling for the Ombudsman to play a proactive role in ensuring that technology serves human dignity and fairness.
Closing Reflections
In her conference summary, Professor Anne Marie Thake, Conference Rapporteur, noted that the sessions reaffirmed the Ombudsman’s indispensable role as a “guardian of democracy, accountability, and human dignity.”
The closing ceremony was addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Leader of the Opposition Alex Borg, both of whom recognised the Ombudsman as a cornerstone of good governance and a vital mechanism of democratic oversight.
In his concluding remarks, Judge Zammit McKeon emphasised that “good governance should not remain a principle in theory but must be translated into practice—through transparency, accountability, equity, and the rule of law.”
Looking Forward
The Malta conference underscored the resilience and relevance of Ombudsman institutions in addressing emerging challenges — from ethical governance to technological transformation — while maintaining their core mission: to protect people’s rights and strengthen public trust.
The Office of the Ombudsman of Malta expressed its appreciation to all speakers, delegates, and partner institutions — including the IOI and AOM — for their participation and support in marking this important milestone.
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Source: The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman Malta
