The Office of the Ombudsman of the Lazio Region is pleased to provide an update on the III International Ombudsman Conference – Italian Edition, to be held in Rome at the Chamber of Deputies on 28–29 May 2026.
To date, 201 participants have registered, including Ombudsmen and official delegations from around the world. In particular, 51.6% of participants are Ombudsmen and 11.2% are deputies of the Ombudsman Offices, confirming the strong institutional representation at the event. This remarkable level of participation highlights the growing international importance of civic defense and confirms the Conference as a key platform for dialogue, exchange of best practices, and strengthening cooperation among Ombudsman offices.
The Office is also pleased to confirm the participation of the European Ombudsman, Mrs. Teresa Anjinho, further enhancing the international and institutional profile of the event.
Participating countries (in alphabetical order):
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Gambia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Statement by Hon. Marino Fardelli – President of the Italian Ombudsmen:
"The III International Ombudsman Conference represents a key moment for Italy to assert its leading role in the international civic defense arena. This event not only strengthens ties with Ombudsman institutions worldwide but also accelerates the definition of a national law for the formal recognition of the National Ombudsman, in coordination with regional Italian Ombudsmen. The Conference is a unique opportunity to share experiences, promote best practices, and innovate the tools for protecting citizens’ rights, placing Italy at the forefront of rights protection and institutional transparency."
The Conference will bring together institutional representatives from different continents, helping to strengthen international cooperation between Ombudsmen and independent bodies engaged in rights protection, promoting the rule of law, and improving the quality of democratic institutions.
Panel program:
Thursday 28 May 2026
11:00 – 12:30 SESSION I – “New global challenges: complex administrations, digitalization, and citizens’ rights” 12:30 – 13:30 SESSION II – “Building an international protection network: cooperation and exchange of best practices” 13:30 – 14:30 SESSION III – “Institutional communication and transparency: bringing citizens closer to the Ombudsman”Friday 29 May 2026
Concluding session: Ombudsman 2030 – Powers, reforms, and new responsibilities
10:00 – 11:00 Panel IV – “The future of civic defense worldwide” 11:00 – 12:00 Panel V – “Engaging young people in rights protection”In addition, on the morning of 27 May, a General Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is scheduled, an institutional highlight that will enrich the participants’ experience.
The Conference is a unique opportunity to consolidate ties among Ombudsmen worldwide, promote innovation in civic defense, and accelerate strategic legislative and institutional initiatives, contributing to the development of effective tools and practices for the protection of citizens’ rights.
Italy becomes a protagonist on the international stage of civic defense.
Source: The Office of the Ombudsman of the Lazio Region, Italy