Asian Ombudsman Association Marks 30th Anniversary with Virtual Meeting
The Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) commemorated its 30th Anniversary through a virtual informal meeting held on 16 April 2026, bringing together member institutions from across the region to celebrate three decades of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The session was inaugurated by the President of AOA, Mr. Naveed Kamran Baloch, who highlighted the Association’s significant achievements and contributions over the past 30 years. He emphasized the vital role of ombudsman institutions in strengthening democratic governance and protecting citizens’ rights.
During the meeting, member institutions shared reflections on AOA’s journey and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing ombudsman systems, improving public service delivery, and promoting accountability across their respective countries.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Hijazi, who also serves as Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), addressed the meeting and contributed to the discussions, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge sharing among ombudsman institutions.
The event underscored the continued relevance of AOA as a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and exchange of best practices, while reinforcing the shared vision of advancing transparency, integrity, and citizen-centric governance.
The participation of member institutions reflects a collective commitment to strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights across the region.
