PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently participated in a high-level international conference held in Malta from October 16-17, 2025. The conference, themed “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman,” brought together Ombudsmen, human rights defenders, and representatives from constitutional and accountability bodies across Europe and beyond.
The conference served as a platform for engaging discussions on critical topics, including the importance of trust and participation, the protection of vulnerable persons, ethical governance, and the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on Ombudsman institutions. Discussions reaffirmed the enduring role of the Ombudsman as a vital pillar of democracy, integrity, and justice.
Key highlights of the conference included:
- Presentations and discussions on the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions in safeguarding citizens' rights and promoting fairness, accountability, and trust in public administration.
- Emphasis on the importance of ethical governance, requiring values and courage to challenge power structures.
- Recognition of the need for cross-border collaboration among Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen the global defense of rights and justice.
During the conference, participants emphasized that good governance is not merely a managerial principle but a fundamental right. Discussions also reinforced the idea that Ombudsman institutions must adapt and innovate to remain effective in a rapidly changing world.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn from international best practices and strengthen collaborative efforts to promote good governance.
“This conference was an important opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the world on the critical role of the Ombudsman in upholding good governance,” said Ms. Mossel. “The discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to ensuring that justice remains a living promise for all citizens.”