Parliamentary Ombudsman participates in the first session of the IOI World Board meeting

Parliamentary Ombudsman participates in the first session of the IOI World Board meeting

Published May 12, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, in his capacity as an elected Director of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) World Board, participated in the opening session of the IOI Board of Directors meeting currently being held in Willemstad. Organised by the Ombudsman of Curacao, the meeting brings together elected representatives from Ombudsman institutions around the world to discuss the strategic governance and future direction of the organisation.

Established in 1978, the IOI is the only global organisation dedicated to the cooperation of independent Ombudsman institutions. It represents more than 200 member institutions from over 100 countries and operates through six regional chapters: Africa, Asia, Australasia and Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, and North America. Through training programmes, research initiatives, regional funding, and international cooperation, the IOI supports the strengthening of Ombudsman institutions and the promotion of good governance and accountability worldwide.

Welcoming the members of the Board, the President of the IOI, Nadine Mailloux, Ombudsman of Montreal, Canada, underlined that the meeting reflects the shared commitment of Ombudsman institutions across the world towards the values and mission of the Ombudsman institution. She highlighted the importance of collegial dialogue and international cooperation in addressing common challenges and strengthening the role of Ombudsman institutions globally.

This is the first Board meeting under the presidency of Nadine Mailloux and provided an opportunity for members to discuss practical steps related to the priorities of the new President, including strengthening the IOI’s international role in supporting its members and reinforcing cooperation between regional chapters.

The IOI Board of Directors is the principal governing body of the organisation between General Assemblies. Composed of elected representatives from each region, the Board oversees the organisation’s operations, authorises expenditures, supervises regional and organisational activities, develops membership policies, and contributes to the strategic direction of the IOI and its engagement with international partners.

During today’s session, the Board discussed the President’s report, the Secretary General’s report, membership matters, financial matters, and regional subsidies.

Prior to the meeting, the Parliamentary Ombudsman held discussions with the President of the IOI European Regional Board, National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen, to prepare for the meeting and discuss the contribution of the European Region to the work of the IOI World Board.