BackChris Field, President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and Western Australian Ombudsman, provided a virtual Welcome Address at the international conference, “The rights of older persons and role of ombudsman and mediator institutions”, organised by the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen and the Office of the Public Defender of Georgia.
“I acknowledge all distinguished speakers at the conference, in particular, the President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, Andreas Pottakis; and the Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria. Both President Pottakis and Ombudsman Lomjaria are highly valued colleagues of mine on the World Board of the International Ombudsman Institute, with Ombudsman Pottakis also being the European Regional President of the Institute” said President Field.
President Field told Conference delegates: “The tragically disproportionate mortality and morbidity rates for older people arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting societal demographics due to ageing populations, are both matters that make the theme of this conference particularly timely, resonant and, indeed, poignant.
It is absolutely vital that we ensure the dignity of older people, who have contributed so much, and continue to contribute so much, to the way of life that we enjoy. Our collective efforts must be directed to the safety, health, well-being and living standards of older people in our communities.”
