PRESS RELEASE
22 JUNE 2026
SEAOF 2026 pushes for women empowerment, diversity and inclusive governance in accountability institutions
PASAY CITY, Philippines — Beyond strengthening regional cooperation and institutional excellence, the 2026 Full Members’ Meeting of the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum (SEAOF) also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diverse representation in building stronger accountability institutions.
Hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines from 16 to 18 June 2026 in Pasay, the gathering brought together 32 delegates from ombudsman institutions and partner organizations across the region, with 11 women participants comprising 34% of the delegation.
These include Ayesha Hamid, Ombudsman, and First Vice President, International Ombudsman Institute (Punjab, Pakistan), Esti Budivarti, Head of Legal, Partnership and Organization Bureau (Indonesia), Nalinpun Waisuebkao, Director of International Affairs Bureau (Thailand), Onnalin Rommyanond, Foreign Affairs Officer (Thailand), Krittiya Sumranbumrung, Foreign Affairs Officer (Thailand), Surya binti Alias, Chief Administrator (Sarawak, Malaysia), Ms. Nurul Natasha binti Nasaruddin, Administrative Officer, Ombudsman Management Division (Sarawak, Malaysia), Siti Zurainy binti Zulkipli, Administrative Officer, Ombudsman Management Division (Sarawak, Malaysia), Khadijah binti Kapali, Assistant Administrative Officer, Ombudsman Management Division (Sarawak, Malaysia) and Anne Lim, Anti-Corruption Specialist, UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia.
Women delegates served in key leadership, technical, and institutional roles — including as ombudsman officials, directors, prosecutors, international affairs officers, administrative leaders, and specialists in public relations and institutional coordination — contributing their expertise to discussions on governance reforms, complaints management, institutional development, innovation, and regional cooperation.
The participation of women professionals across SEAOF member and partner institutions reflects the shared commitment to promote inclusive decision-making, equal opportunities for leadership, and gender-responsive approaches in public institutions.
Consistent with the principles of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity emphasized by Philippine Ombudsman and 2025–2026 SEAOF Chair Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, the Forum continues to strengthen cooperation among ombudsman institutions by bringing together diverse experiences, perspectives, and expertise.
As SEAOF moves forward with its strategic roadmap and expanded regional partnerships, the Forum reaffirms that effective governance is built not only through strong institutions, but also through meaningful participation, representation, and shared leadership.#
