30th Anniversary: Opening Ceremony Speakers Announced for the International Ombudsman Conference

30th Anniversary: Opening Ceremony Speakers Announced for the International Ombudsman Conference

Published September 18, 2025

The Office of the Ombudsman will host an International Ombudsman Conference in October 2025 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of its establishment. This milestone event will bring together Ombudsman institutions and human rights defenders from across Europe and the Mediterranean to reflect on the important theme: “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman.”

Over two days, delegates and academics will engage in discussions across four pressing themes: building people’s trust in democratic institutions; protecting the vulnerable and upholding human rights; advancing ethical governance and strengthening integrity; and embracing technological innovation in an age shaped by digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

The Office of the Ombudsman is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers who will address the Opening Ceremony of this landmark conference:

• Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Secretary General and Treasurer of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) and Vice-President of the IOI European Regional Board
  
  
• Erinda Ballanca, President of the AOM and People's Advocate of Albania
  
  
• Nashieli Ramírez Hernández, President of the IOI and President of the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, who will deliver a recorded message
  
  
• Reinier van Zutphen, President of the IOI European Regional Board and Ombudsman of the Netherlands
  
  
• Teresa Anjinho, European Ombudsman
  
  
• Hon. Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Malta

The opening ceremony will set the stage for two days of reflection, dialogue, and forward-looking debate. It will bring together leaders of Ombudsman institutions, international networks, and academics to underline the essential role of the Ombudsman in strengthening trust, accountability, and good governance.

The interventions will provide a compelling introduction to the conference themes, reaffirming the universal values Ombudsmen defend and the pressing challenges that this gathering seeks to address.