Morocco will host the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Annual General Assembly for the first time from May 11-16, 2025, the IOI Secretariat announced on Friday in Vienna.
The selection of Morocco came after the country received 14 out of 21 votes, surpassing Ombudsman Curacao, which secured seven votes, according to an IOI press release.
Mohammed Benalilou, Morocco’s Ombudsman, currently serves as the IOI’s First Vice-President, a position he has held since May 12, 2024. The IOI Board also includes Mexico’s Ombudsman as President, New Zealand’s Ombudsman as Second Vice-President, Austria’s Ombudswoman as Secretary-General, and Zambia’s Ombudsman as Treasurer.
This decision highlights Morocco’s growing stature on the international stage, reflecting both its credibility in global forums and the strong leadership of its Ombudsman institution.
Founded in 1978, the IOI is the only global organization representing over 200 Ombudsman institutions worldwide. Its mission focuses on promoting the role of Ombudsmen, fostering cooperation among member institutions, and providing support to those facing challenges.
The IOI includes members from Africa, Asia, Australia-Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean-Latin America, and North America.