About IOI and APOR

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), established in 1978, is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the role of ombudsman institutions and upholding human rights principles. It facilitates the international exchange of information and best practices among ombudspersons and serves as a vital link connecting ombudsman institutions around the world. At present, the IOI gathers over 250 members, comprising national and regional ombudspersons or human rights institutions from more than 110 countries.


The Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) is one of the six regional chapters within the IOI. There are currently 18 members in the APOR, listed in alphabetical order: Australia (Commonwealth Ombudsman, New South Wales Ombudsman, Northern Territory Ombudsman, Queensland Ombudsman, South Australia Ombudsman, Tasmania Ombudsman, Victoria Ombudsman, Western Australia Ombudsman, Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman), Cook Islands Ombudsman, Hong Kong Ombudsman, New Zealand Ombudsman, Papua New Guinea Ombudsman Commission, Samoa Ombudsman, Solomon Islands Ombudsman, The Control Yuan (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Tonga Ombudsman, Vanuatu Ombudsman. The current APOR President is Ms. Niki Rattle, Cook Islands Ombudsman.


The Control Yuan is a voting member of the IOI and is actively engaged in both IOI and APOR regional affairs and activities. It consistently fulfills its membership responsibilities and remains committed to advancing international exchange on ombudsman practices and human rights. The APOR holds its regional conference on a rotational basis among its members. The Control Yuan previously hosted the 26th and 31st APOR Conference in 2011 and 2019, respectively. This year, it is honored to host the 37th APOR Conference, marking its third time as host. Through the Conference, APOR members and distinguished guests from both domestic and international institutions come together to discuss current trends and challenges in ombudsman and human rights work, strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and promote clean governance, democratic accountability, and the advancement of human rights.


For the latest information and updates on APOR member activities, we invite you to explore Waka Tangata: APOR E-News.

APOR Members

Welcoming Remarks from the President and Vice President of the Control Yuan

We cordially invite all distinguished guests to join us in Taiwan for the 37th Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) Conference in 2025.


The Control Yuan will host the 37th APOR Conference in Taipei from September 3 to 5, 2025. We sincerely welcome ombudspersons from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region; observers from neighboring countries; as well as distinguished experts and academics in the ombudsman and human rights fields from both home and abroad to participate in the APOR Conference. We look forward to meaningful exchanges and the sharing of valuable insights.


The theme of this year’s APOR Conference is “Diverse Practices and Developments in Ombudsperson and Human Rights Work.” The agenda includes the APOR members’ meeting, the International Seminar on Human Rights, and cultural programs. The Seminar will feature an opening ceremony, a keynote speech, and three seminar sessions: “How to Increase Citizens’ Awareness of the Work and Mission of Ombudspersons,” “The Practice and Implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism,” and “Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law.” These sessions aim to illuminate current innovations, opportunities, and challenges in ombudsman and human rights work. In addition, a full day of cultural programs is planned to allow our international guests to experience and appreciate the richness of Taiwan’s traditional and innovative culture.


As public attention on good governance, democratic transparency, and human rights protection grows, ombudsman institutions around the world are increasingly expanding their cross-disciplinary functions and roles. Taiwan has always treasured its hard-won democratic achievements and has established itself as a reliable democratic partner in the international community. As one of the constitutional bodies, the Control Yuan diligently fulfills its duties and works with the international ombudsman community to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and uphold the rule of law.


We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming all our esteemed guests to the vibrant and beautiful city of Taipei this September!


Chu CHEN
President

Hung-chun LEE
Vice President

Program

Time
Program
Location
September 3, 2025 | APOR Members' Meeting
13:30~14:00
Registration
Control Yuan
2F, 1st Conference Room
14:00~15:00
APOR Members' Meeting
Control Yuan
2F, 1st Conference Room
15:00~15:20
Tea Break
Control Yuan
2F, 1st Conference Room
15:20~16:20
APOR Members' Meeting
Control Yuan
2F, 1st Conference Room
18:30~20:30
Welcome Reception
Grand Hotel Taipei
12F, Kun Lun Room
September 4, 2025 | Seminar
08:30~09:00
Registration
Grand Hotel Taipei
09:00~09:50
Opening Remarks
  • Hung-chun LEE
    Vice President of the Control Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
  • Niki RATTLE
    President of APOR and Ombudsman of the Cook Islands
  • Bernhard ACHITZ
    Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and Austrian Ombudsman
  • John MORGAN
    Acting Deputy Director, American Institute in Taiwan
Group Photo
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
09:50~10:10
Tea Break
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
10:10~11:50
Session 1
How to Increase Citizens’ Awareness of the Work and Mission of Ombudspersons

Moderator:
  • Iain ANDERSON
    Director of APOR and Commonwealth Ombudsman, Australia
Speakers:
  • Diane WELBORN
    Ombudsman of Dayton-Montgomery County, Ohio, USA
  • Tabitha SUWAE
    Ombudsman of Papua New Guinea
  • *Daisuke OTSUKI
    Deputy Director-General of Administrative Evaluation Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan
  • Chung-cheng PU (pasuya poiconx)
    Member of the Control Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Q&A *Deputy Director-General Daisuke OTSUKI will deliver his presentation online.
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
11:50~13:00
Lunch
Grand Hotel Taipei
1F, Grand Garden Restaurant
13:00~14:20
Session 2
The Practice and Implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism

Moderator: Speakers: Q&A
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
14:20~14:40
Tea Break
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
14:40~16:00
Session 3
Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

Moderator: Speakers:
  • Paul MILLER
    Ombudsman of New South Wales, Australia
  • You-hao LAI
    Deputy Director of Democratic Governance Research Program,
    Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology(DSET)
  • Wen-cheng LIN
    Member of the Control Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Q&A
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
16:00~16:20
Closing Remarks
  • Hung-chun LEE
    Vice President of the Control Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
  • Iain ANDERSON
    Director of APOR and Commonwealth Ombudsman, Australia
Grand Hotel Taipei
VF, International Reception Room
18:30~20:30
Gala Dinner
Grand Hotel Taipei
10F, Chang Chin Room
September 5, 2025 | Culture Tour
09:00~11:20
Culture Tour
Yingge
11:30~13:00
Lunch
Yingge
13:00~16:30
Culture Tour
Yingge

Conference Handbook

Speaker

Session 1

Iain ANDERSON

Iain ANDERSON(Moderator)

Director of APOR and Commonwealth Ombudsman, Australia

Diane WELBORN

Diane WELBORN

Ombudsman of Dayton-Montgomery County, Ohio, USA

Tabitha SUWAE

Tabitha SUWAE

Ombudsman of Papua New Guinea

Daisuke OTSUKI

Daisuke OTSUKI

Deputy Director-General of Administrative Evaluation Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan

Chung-cheng PU (pasuya poiconx)

Chung-cheng PU
(pasuya poiconx)

Member of the Control Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Session 2

Chu-fang CHANG (Moderator)

Chu-fang CHANG (Moderator)

Member of the Control Yuan,
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Iain ANDERSON

Iain ANDERSON

Director of APOR and Commonwealth Ombudsman, Australia

Bernhard ACHITZ

Bernhard ACHITZ

IOI Secretary General and Austrian Ombudsman

Chung-yi TSAI

Chung-yi TSAI

Member of the Control Yuan,
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Session 3

Diane WELBORN (Moderator)

Diane WELBORN (Moderator)

Ombudsman of Dayton-Montgomery County, Ohio, USA

Paul MILLER

Paul MILLER

Ombudsman of New South Wales, Australia

You-hao LAI

You-hao LAI

Deputy Director of Democratic Governance Research Program,
Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology(DSET)

Wen-cheng LIN

Wen-cheng LIN

Member of the Control Yuan,
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Transportation

Grand Hotel Taipei

ADDRESS:No. 1, Section 4, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District Taipei City, 104427, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL:02-2886-8888

How to get to the Hotel

Control Yuan

ADDRESS:No.2, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City 100216, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL:02-2341-3183

How to get to the Control Yuan

By MRT

Taipei Main Station (Exit M7 or M8)
Shandao Temple Station (Exit 2)

By Bus

Please alight at MRT Shandao Temple Station or
Executive Yuan bus stop.

Control Yuan vicinity map

Must-Visit Places in Taipei City

Taipei 101 Observatory

Taipei 101 Observatory

  • Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 remains a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the capital of Taiwan.

  • The outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor is the sky grassland picnic site, where you can enjoy a relaxing “Sky Tour” at an altitude of 400 metersabove sea level.

View more information
Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market

  • One of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan.

  • A maze of alleyways filled with a diverse range of local, traditional, and international merchandise.

  • Vibrant and bustling atmosphere that attracts both locals and foreigners.

View more information
The Taipei National Palace Museum

The Taipei National Palace Museum

  • It’s a world-class museum that hosts an eclectic collection of treasures kept by generations of Emperors ruling from the Forbidden City.

  • In WWII, Nationalist troops seized the most important pieces in order to prevent invaders from ransacking China's national treasures. A twist of fate eventually brought these treasures to Taiwan.

View more information
Dadaocheng and Dihua Street

Dadaocheng and Dihua Street

  • Dihua Street, part of the Dadaocheng precinct, was established in the 1850s, and is an excellent location for a leisurely stroll.

  • In the past, it was a key trading port for groceries, tea leaves, fabric, Chinese medicine, etc.

  • Today, it’s a popular destination known for its retro street views and local specialties.

View more information

Venue

Sep. 3
APOR Members' Meeting
Control Yuan, 2F 1st Conference Room

Control Yuan
2F 1st Conference Room

Sep. 3
Welcome Reception
Grand Hotel Taipei, 12F Kun Lun Room

Grand Hotel Taipei
12F Kun Lun Room

Sep. 4
Seminar
Grand Hotel Taipei, VF International Reception Room

Grand Hotel Taipei
VF International Reception Room

Sep. 4
Gala Dinner
Grand Hotel Taipei, 10F Chang Chin Room

Grand Hotel Taipei
10F Chang Chin Room

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