30th Anniversary - Opening Ceremony - Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: the role of the Ombdusman

30th Anniversary - Opening Ceremony - Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: the role of the Ombdusman

Published October 15, 2025

The first day of the International Ombudsman Conference marked the official opening of celebrations commemorating thirty years since the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta.
Held under the overarching theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman,” the conference brought together Ombudsman institutions, human-rights defenders and accountability bodies from across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

The discussions reflected on the Ombudsman’s evolving mission in a world shaped by technological transformation, social disruption and geopolitical uncertainty. Digitalisation, crises, and shifting global realities have placed unprecedented pressure on democratic institutions, often testing the very principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

Yet, as participants underlined throughout the day, the Ombudsman remains a beacon of integrity and courage. Its influence stems not from coercive power, but from the moral authority of its recommendations, impartiality, and credibility. Speaking clearly and acting fearlessly, Ombudsman institutions reassure persons that their rights are protected, even in turbulent times.

Through four thematic panels, the conference explored the Ombudsman’s role in:

• Building People’s Trust: The Ombudsman as a pillar of democracy in times of change
• Protecting the Vulnerable: The role of the Ombudsman in upholding human rights
• Advancing Ethical Governance: Strengthening integrity and the principles of good administration
• Embracing Technological Innovation: The Ombudsman’s role in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony set the tone for two days of thoughtful exchange and celebration.

Welcome Address – Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta

In his opening address, The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon reflected on the 30-year journey of the institution, tracing its evolution from a pioneering oversight office to a constitutional authority central to good governance.

He described the Office as “no longer young, but still indispensable”, a trusted, credible, and effective guardian of fairness.

The Ombudsman emphasised that the Office’s authority rests not on executive power, but on the moral weight of its recommendations. Government and public administration, he said, must respect those findings to preserve the rule of law and institutional integrity.

Judge Zammit McKeon also reaffirmed that good governance is inseparable from the protection of human rights, calling on oversight institutions to remain vigilant and cooperative within the global network of accountability. Marking the 30th anniversary, he urged renewed commitment: “This celebration is not an ending but a recommitment to fairness, trust and justice for every person.”

Address by Ms Erinda Ballanca, People’s Advocate of Albania and President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen

The President of the AOM and People's Advocate of Albania Erinda Ballanca placed good administration firmly within the sphere of fundamental rights rather than administrative convenience. Citing international evidence of rule-of-law decline—affecting more than three-quarters of the countries studied since 2016—she warned of the dangers of institutional paralysis and the erosion of checks and balances.

She presented the Venice Commission’s Rule of Law Checklist as the benchmark for measuring legality, certainty, equality and access to justice, but stressed that “law on paper must be translated into law in practice.”

Her intervention was a call for self-reflection within Ombudsman institutions themselves—to act responsibly, deliver results, and demonstrate that integrity and timeliness are non-negotiable. “From principles to results,” she concluded, “is the only way to rebuild the trust that democracy depends on.”

Video Message – Ms Nadine Mailloux, President of the International Ombudsman Institute and Ombudsman of Montréal

Delivering her first address as IOI President, Ms Nadine Mailloux conveyed her congratulations to the Maltese Ombudsman for three decades of commitment to justice and good governance. She reaffirmed the IOI’s support for cooperation among Ombudsman institutions worldwide and its dedication to strengthening their independence and visibility in the public sphere.

Speech by Mr Reinier van Zutphen, National Ombudsman of the Netherlands and President of the IOI European Region

The President of the IOI European Regional Board, Reiner van Zutphen focused on the defence of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, invoking thinkers such as Anne Applebaum, Timothy Snyder and Stéphane Hessel.

He reminded participants that Ombudsmen are “voices of conscience” in an era where truth is often distorted.

“Vigilance, knowledge, and courage,” he said, “are indispensable virtues.” Ombudsman institutions, he argued, must continue to speak truth to power, defend institutions that protect decency, and stand beside Parliament and civil society in safeguarding democracy.

Speech by Teresa Anjinho, European Ombudswoman

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho examined how the EU administration can uphold good governance and strengthen citizens’ trust amid crises and geopolitical shifts.

Using inquiry examples from her Office, she illustrated the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability even under pressure for speed and simplification.

She stressed the need for citizen-friendly administrations—those that communicate clearly, explain decisions, and anticipate concerns. Transparency, she emphasised, must be proactive, not reactive.

Address by the Hon. Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Closing the opening ceremony, Speaker Anglu Farrugia underlined the Ombudsman’s role as “a guardian of truth and dignity in democracy.”

He emphasised that Ombudsmen are not there to comfort governments but to confront wrongdoing and defend the public interest.

Drawing on the reflections of Jacob Söderman and Nelson Mandela, he reminded that Ombudsmen need not be popular—but they must be effective and fearless.

He reaffirmed Parliament’s duty to preserve the Ombudsman’s independence and ensure that recommendations are debated and acted upon. “Unchecked power,” he concluded, “is the enemy of good governance. The Ombudsman is democracy’s last line of defence.”