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.