Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen recently attended the historic IOI Asian Regional Meeting 2025 hosted in Lahore, Pakistan. This landmark event brought together ombudsman leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across Asia and beyond to strengthen international cooperation and citizen rights protection.
For the first time in history, Pakistan proudly hosted the IOI Asian Regional Meeting 2025, organised by the Office of the Ombudsman, Punjab. The event marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s growing role in promoting international cooperation, accountability, and good governance across the region. The three-day meeting brought together leading ombudsman institutions from across Asia to discuss shared challenges and opportunities in protecting citizen rights and strengthening democratic institutions.
The regional meeting featured comprehensive discussions and conferences focused on strengthening ombudsman institutions across Asia. The formal discussions brought together ombudsman leaders to address institutional priorities, explore opportunities for collaboration, and plan future joint initiatives. Two key topics were discussed during the international conference: Making the Rule of Law Accessible, which explored the role of the Ombudsman as a bridge between people and government, and Ensuring Accountability and Good Governance, which examined how ombudsman institutions strengthen public administration. The meeting also provided valuable opportunities for delegates to foster partnerships, share best practices, and strengthen accountability and citizen service delivery across their respective institutions.
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen delivered a presentation on the Constitutional Framework of the Ombudsman Commission, specifically addressing Sections 217 and 218 of the Papua New Guinea Constitution. This presentation highlighted the Commission’s role in strengthening the rule of law, transparency, and good governance—key themes that resonated throughout the conference. The Chief’s contribution reflected the Ombudsman Commission’s commitment to sharing its institutional experience and constitutional framework with regional partners, particularly in areas of public accountability and government services accessibility.
The IOI Asian Regional Meeting 2025 reinforced several important outcomes for the region. The successful hosting of the meeting positioned both Punjab and Pakistan as regional leaders in citizen rights protection and ombudsman excellence. The event reinforced the role of ombudsman institutions in strengthening the rule of law, transparency, and good governance across Asia. The meeting provided a valuable platform for ombudsman leaders to exchange knowledge, learn best practices in public accountability, and discuss innovative approaches to serving citizens.
Beyond formal discussions, delegates experienced the rich heritage of Lahore through curated visits to historical sites, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with Pakistan’s cultural landscape and build stronger personal relationships with their regional counterparts. These cultural exchanges strengthened the bonds between ombudsman institutions and demonstrated the importance of understanding diverse contexts and traditions in the pursuit of shared governance principles.
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen’s attendance at the IOI Asian Regional Meeting 2025 demonstrates the Ombudsman Commission’s commitment to international cooperation and its role in advancing ombudsman principles across the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting reinforced the shared commitment among Asian ombudsman institutions to strengthen accountability, protect citizen rights, and promote the rule of law in their respective countries. The Ombudsman Commission looks forward to continued collaboration with regional ombudsman institutions and the implementation of best practices learned from this landmark event in advancing ombudsman excellence and citizen service delivery across the region.
