Ombudsman of Malta participates in second day of IOI World Board Meeting in Morocco

Ombudsman of Malta participates in second day of IOI World Board Meeting in Morocco

Published May 14, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, continued to participate in the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) World Board meeting taking place in Rabat, Morocco. The second day of proceedings focused on setting the strategic direction of the IOI and enhancing its core activities in support of Ombudsman institutions worldwide.

A key highlight of the day was the approval of the IOI Strategic Plan 2024–2028, presented by the IOI Secretary General. The plan sets out four overarching goals that will guide the Institute’s work over the coming years. These include promoting the Ombudsman concept and raising the visibility of the institution; supporting, strengthening, and protecting Ombudsman offices worldwide; uniting Ombudsman institutions to foster collaboration and the exchange of experiences; and ensuring that the IOI operates in a professional, well-governed, and efficient manner.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to aligning IOI activities with these goals through the delivery of targeted initiatives and programmes.

A key area of focus discussed was the IOI’s ongoing investment in training and capacity-building. The Board approved new training activities aimed at addressing the evolving needs of Ombudsman institutions, with a particular focus on regional priorities. The approved training themes include citizen engagement, the effective implementation of recommendations, mental health in detention settings, and media engagement. These initiatives reflect the IOI’s continued commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and encouraging the exchange of expertise among members.

The Board also approved several new Best Practice Papers, including the Outreach Best Practice Paper coordinated by the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands. This paper highlights a range of global outreach initiatives, including those undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta. The Board further agreed to update other Best Practice Papers, including those on developing and reforming Ombudsman institutions, managing challenging behaviour, and peer review processes.

Regional Board Presidents delivered reports on their respective activities, highlighting initiatives and challenges faced by Ombudsman institutions in their regions. All reports were endorsed by the IOI Board, which reaffirmed its solidarity and support for institutions operating under threat.

The Board also decided that the next IOI World Board meeting will be held in Curaçao in 2026.

Judge Zammit McKeon is attending the meeting in his capacity as an elected member of the IOI World Board, accompanied by Mr Jurgen Cassar, Head of Communications and Research at the Office of the Ombudsman.