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The Asian Regional meeting and International Conference successfully concluded
The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Asian Regional Meeting and International Conference 2025 were successfully held in Lahore, marking a historic milestone as Pakistan hosted this prestigious global gathering for the first time. Presided over by the Honourable Ombudsman Punjab and IOI Second Vice President, Ms. Ayesha Hamid, the event brought together esteemed Ombudsmen and delegates from Macao, Bahrain, Timor-Leste, Japan, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Austria, Gibraltar, Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Papua New Guinea.
The three-day event served as a dynamic platform to enhance institutional cooperation and reaffirm the critical role of Ombudsman institutions in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting good governance. The Opening Ceremony featured an address by Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan, who underscored the importance of transparency, citizens’ rights, and regional collaboration among Ombudsman institutions.
The Asian Regional Meeting was held in the first half of the day, during which Mr. Somsak Suwansujarit, Asian Regional President of the IOI and Chief Ombudsman of Thailand, provided a summary of the IOI Board of Directors meeting held in Rabat, Morocco, in May 2025. He also introduced the content of the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (2024) on the role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in promoting and protecting human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.
The International Conference was convened in the afternoon under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law through Ombudsman Institutions.” The theme was explored through two substantive sessions focusing on the accessibility of justice and accountability in governance, allowing participants to exchange experiences and best practices from across the globe.
Session I: “Making the Rule of Law Accessible: The Ombudsman as a Bridge between People and Government.”
Speakers included Mr. Aydin Safikhanli, Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan; Ms. Dzhamanbaeva Dzhamilia, Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic; Mr. Bobby Hamzar Rafinus, Vice Chairman of the Ombudsman of Indonesia; Mr. Daisuke Otsuki, Deputy Director-General from Japan; Ms. Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Pakistan; and Ms. Rubab Mehdi, Ombudsperson, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Session II: “Ensuring Accountability and Good Governance in Public Administration.”
Speakers included Mr. Vasco Lopez, Advisor, Macao Special Administrative Region; Mr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan; Mr. Virgilio Da Silva Guterres, Chief Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Timor-Leste; Mr. Mumtaz Ali Shah, Federal Insurance Ombudsman of Pakistan; and Mr. Richard Pagen, Chief Ombudsman of Papua New Guinea.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Bernhard Achitz, Member of the Austrian Ombudsman Board and Secretary General of the IOI, who commended Pakistan’s exceptional hospitality and the outstanding arrangements made by the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab. He lauded the spirit of collaboration demonstrated throughout the proceedings and observed that the Lahore Conference had set a remarkable precedent in fostering global cooperation, strengthening institutional capacities, and advancing the Ombudsman mission of accountability, transparency, and service to citizens.
Beyond formal sessions, delegates experienced Lahore’s vibrant cultural and architectural heritage through visits to the Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Museum, Fakir Khana Museum, Bamba Collection, and Shahi Hammam. These excursions provided participants with an enriching cultural experience and a deeper appreciation of Lahore’s historic legacy, reinforcing cross-cultural understanding and camaraderie among international participants.
Source: The Office of the Provincial Ombudsman Punjab, Pakistan
