THEME:
Trusted Institutions:
Righting Injustices, Bolstering Quality Governance
SUMMARY OF OUTCOME OF EVENT
The Government of Botswana through the Office of the Ombudsman hosted the Second International Ombud Expo 2024 from 29th July to 2nd August 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana. Building on the exceptional success of the inaugural event and subsequent United Nations General Assembly Resolution 75/186 of December 2020, the event brought together ombud offices, human rights bodies, grievance handlers, integrity organisations, and related oversight and governance institutions from across the world in an exhibition and showcasing of their role, operation, and performance impact.
The Second International Ombud Expo 2024 was officially opened by the Honourable Slumber Tsogwane, the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana.
Advocate Stephen B. Tiroyakgosi, Chief Host of the Expo and the Ombudsman and Human Rights Commissioner of Botswana delivered the formal Welcome Address to the Expo while Mr Oduetse Tautona, Deputy Mayor of Gaborone, welcomed delegates on behalf of the Host City, Gaborone. Other lead speakers at the Opening Ceremony were: Honourable Antonia Florbela Rocha Araujo, First Co-Host of the Expo and President of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA); Honourable Joseph Whittal, Second Co-Host of the Expo and President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI); Dr Roger Korangteng, Representative of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, London; and Professor Victor Ayeni, Director of Governance and Management Services International and Creator of the International Ombud Expo.
Further, Special Goodwill Messages were received from leading international organisations and networks in the field, namely: Honourable Nashieli Ramírez Hernández, President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI); Honourable Sarah Klaper, President of the International Ombuds Association (IOA); Dr Amelia Lopez, President of the Latin American Ombudsman Institute – People’s Defenders (ILO); Honourable Gwendolien Mossel, President of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA); and Hadja Salamatu J. Mamman, National Secretary of the Public Complaints Commission and Ombudsman of Nigeria on behalf of the Host of the preceding First International Ombud Expo 2019 in Abuja, Nigeria.
In all, 130 international and local organisations and institutions as well as 543 individuals registered and participated in the event. The list of organisations and institutions that participated in the Expo is provided below.
With the generous support of the Government of Botswana, the Second International Ombud Expo 2024 was organized by the Office of the Ombudsman and Human Rights Commissioner of Botswana in collaboration with 48 international and local agencies and organisations. Governance and Management Services International United, Kingdom served as the International Secretariat and Project Manager of the Expo. In appreciation of this phenomenal international collaborative effort, the logos and brand images of the organisers, partners and sponsors are displayed below.
Under the theme: Trusted Institutions: Righting Injustices, Bolstering Quality Governance, Expo 2024 featured, among other things, the following highlights:
- Exhibition and showcasing of the work of different oversight, regulatory and governance institutions around the world;
- Appreciation of the role of ombud and related oversight and regulatory bodies in tackling wide-ranging governance problems, righting injustices, managing conflicts, and boosting performance and productivity of governments and organisations;
- Exposure to the critical performance factors of governance and oversight bodies and how they execute their roles and make a difference in governments and organisations;
- Sharing of experiences with organisational leaders and diverse functionaries of oversight, regulatory and governance institutions;
- Special Discussion Session facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat, London on the ‘The Intersection of Human Rights and National Oversight Institutions;
- Eminent Expert Sessions organised and facilitated by the International Ombuds Association (IOA);
- Total of 32 parallel workshops and expert discussions on various topical themes over 3 days; and;
- Special celebration of Ombud Trailblazers which showcased and appreciated the role and contributions of the pioneer incumbents of ombuds offices and institutions across the world.
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Follow the link below to view the full summary of the Expo:
Download the special IOE 2024 Newsletter:
