10 Oct 2023

Botswana is expected to host over 500 ombuds offices and other related organisations from over 100 countries for the second International Ombud Expo (IOE) to be held in Gaborone from July 29 to August 2 next year.

The first event, which was held in 2019, had attracted about 250 participants from 38 countries.

A press release from the Office of the Ombudsman says the IOE 2024 will be held under the theme, Trusted Institutions: Righting Injustices, Bolstering Quality Governance.

The release says registration for participation at the expo is now open and institutions will partake in an exhibition and showcase their role, operation and performance impact and they will be joined by a wide range of service providers, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations that support and facilitate them in making a difference in governments and organisations across the world.

It also says the 2024 expo will be a treasure house of ideas, lessons and best practices that will offer policy makers, practitioners and scholars, a rare and unique opportunity to experience at first hand the array of approaches on offer for tackling pressing challenges of ensuring effective oversight and regulation, righting injustices and securing quality and sustainable performance.

It further says exhibitors and participants will share lessons and experiences, network with counterparts, develop and enrich their operational capabilities.

The release says the expo will also provide a unique opportunity for media organisations and practitioners to showcase how they oversight and hold authorities accountable. Ends