30th Anniversary - Closing Ceremony – Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman

30th Anniversary - Closing Ceremony – Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman

Published October 17, 2025

The Closing Ceremony brought to a conclusion two days of engaging discussion, reflection, and exchange among Ombudsman institutions, human rights defenders, and representatives of constitutional and accountability bodies from across Europe and beyond.

Under the overarching theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times – The Role of the Ombudsman,” the ceremony reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Ombudsman as a pillar of democracy, integrity, and justice in an era of rapid transformation.

Conference Rapporteur’s Report – Professor Anne Marie Thake

The ceremony opened with the presentation of the Conference Rapporteur’s Report by Professor Anne Marie Thake from the University of Malta, who summarised the key themes and outcomes of the two-day deliberations.

She observed that the discussions reaffirmed the Ombudsman’s central mission — to protect persons in their interactions with the State and to promote fairness, accountability, and trust in public administration. Quoting the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, she reminded that while the Office “is no longer new, it has no expiry date,” and continues to serve as a dynamic guardian of citizens’ rights.

Professor Thake underlined several key insights:

• Good administration is a fundamental right, not merely a managerial principle.

• The Ombudsman’s moral authority, grounded in independence and integrity, remains essential for democracy.

• Ethical governance requires values, not just rules, and demands courage to confront rather than comfort power.

• Cross-border collaboration among Ombudsmen and NHRIs strengthens the global defence of rights and justice.

Reviewing the four thematic panels, she noted how discussions evolved from trust and participation, to protection of vulnerable persons, ethical governance, and the impact of digitalisation and AI. Across all sessions, one message resonated: Ombudsman institutions must adapt, innovate, and cooperate, upholding human dignity and good governance even in the most challenging times.

Her concluding words captured the spirit of the conference: “Let us leave here not only informed, but inspired, to defend truth, empower the voiceless, and ensure that justice never becomes a forgotten promise.”

Address by the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon

In his closing address, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, reflected on the conference’s central theme and thanked all speakers for their exceptional contributions.

He emphasised that the defence of justice must remain the universal benchmark guiding Ombudsman institutions in uncertain times. Good governance, he noted, is not a slogan but a principle that must be translated into practice — through transparent decision-making, accountability, inclusiveness, and the true application of the rule of law.

Judge Zammit McKeon underlined that independent oversight should never be seen as a burden on the public administration. On the contrary, he said, “a public administration overseen by an independent institution should not be viewed as an operational hindrance — it is in everyone’s interest to have a Constitutional Office like the Ombudsman, willing to listen and act without barriers, giving everyone his due, and championing material justice.”

He also drew attention to the human dimension of governance, warning against the global rise of humiliation and dehumanisation: “Humiliation destroys hope. We must respond by affirming respect, ensuring that every person is seen, heard, and valued.”

Concluding, he affirmed that “the promotion and protection of human rights is not a luxury, but the foundation of every democratic State,” reminding that persons must never be treated as numbers but as legitimate holders of rights.

Address by the Leader of the Opposition – The Hon. Alex Borg

In his address, Hon. Alex Borg, Leader of the Opposition, highlighted the Ombudsman’s crucial function as both a moral and practical instrument of justice. He underscored that good governance should act as a moral compass guiding decision-making across all levels of public administration.

Hon. Borg stressed the importance of strengthening the Ombudsman’s independence and authority to ensure it continues to serve as an impartial institution that safeguards democracy beyond political interests. He observed that the Ombudsman’s work risks losing impact when its recommendations are not acted upon, and therefore reaffirmed his support for the proposal outlined in Ombudsplan 2026 to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Administration, which would ensure systematic parliamentary follow-up on Ombudsman reports.

He also emphasised that good governance depends not only on legal compliance but on ethical leadership and courage, noting that the Ombudsman must continue to serve as a bridge of trust between citizens and the State, reflecting the conscience and integrity of public life.

Address by the Prime Minister of Malta, the Hon. Robert Abela

During his address, Prime Minister Robert Abela reflected on the progress made in strengthening Malta’s democratic institutions, noting that they are now more independent and resilient than ever. He outlined a series of reforms aimed at deepening transparency and accountability, including clearer processes for public appointments, a merit-based system for judicial recruitment and promotion, and new legislation promoting integrity and ethical conduct in public life.

The Prime Minister underlined that these reforms were undertaken to reinforce the bond of trust between the people and the State, rather than to satisfy external expectations. He explained that government reform is not a constraint but a means of ensuring that governance remains transparent, effective, and centred on the citizen.

He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustaining institutional continuity, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting transparency as the foundation of democratic leadership and public trust.

Conclusion: A shared commitment to justice and trust

The closing ceremony encapsulated the essence of the conference: a shared belief that the Ombudsman is indispensable to good governance, democratic accountability, and human dignity.

As the event concluded, participants agreed that Ombudsman institutions must continue to evolve, embracing innovation while remaining anchored in values of fairness, courage, and respect for every person.

The two-day conference thus ended not as a conclusion, but as a renewed call to action: to uphold good governance in challenging times, to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions, and to ensure that justice remains not only a principle, but a living promise for all.