The Parliamentary Ombudsman participates meetings in preparation to the IOI World Board Meeting in Rabat, Morocco

The Parliamentary Ombudsman participates meetings in preparation to the IOI World Board Meeting in Rabat, Morocco

Published May 12, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, is currently participating in the 2025 International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) World Board meeting, which is being held in Rabat, Morocco. The event is hosted by the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco in collaboration with the IOI and brings together Ombudsman leaders from across the globe to discuss the strategic direction and governance of the Institute.

The IOI World Board is composed of elected members representing the six IOI regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia & Pacific, Caribbean & Latin America, Europe, and North America. It is responsible for overseeing the business and property of the IOI and is currently presided over by Ms Nashieli Ramírez Hernández, President of the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City.

Ahead of the World Board sessions, Judge Zammit McKeon took part in a number of preparatory meetings, including the European Regional Board meeting, the Code of Ethics Working Group, and the Standing By-Laws Committee—of which he is a member.

European Region Board Meeting

During the European Region Board, together with the chair Mr Reinier van Zutphen, National Ombudsman of the Netherlands and President of the IOI European Region, Judge Zammit McKeon reviewed the agenda of the World Board meeting and coordinated a common position on matters of regional interest.

Code of Ethics Working Group

In the meeting of the Code of Ethics Working Group, members discussed the development of common guidelines on ethical principles for Ombudspersons and their staff. The working group emphasised that reaffirming core values of professional conduct strengthens public confidence and helps clarify the role of Ombudsman institutions worldwide. A proposal for a shared set of ethical principles was presented for further development. The meeting was attended by Ms Ramírez Hernández (IOI President), Mr van Zutphen (President of the IOI European Region), and Judge Zammit McKeon.

Standing By-Laws Committee

The Standing By-Laws Committee, chaired by Mr Jack Chan, Ombudsman of Hong Kong, convened to continue its work on reforming the IOI’s internal regulations. The Committee’s first mandate is to take forward the reform proposals initially presented during the 2024 IOI World Conference in The Hague. Discussions included the formulation of specific election regulations for the selection of IOI Officers and other governance-related reforms. The meeting was attended by a diverse representation from the global IOI membership, including Mr Young-kook Yun (South Korea), Mr Wen-cheng Lin (Taiwan), Mr van Zutphen (Netherlands), and Judge Zammit McKeon (Malta), with the support of Ms Karin Wagenbauer from the IOI General Secretariat.

Judge Zammit McKeon is accompanied at the IOI World Board by Mr Jurgen Cassar, Head of Communications and Research at the Office of the Ombudsman.