The Ombuds Blog: ADB Ombudsperson Reports Rising Complexity in 2024 Cases

January 23, 2026

ADB Ombudsperson Reports Rising Complexity in 2024 Cases

The Asian Development Bank’s Office of the Ombudsperson reported handling 474 cases in 2024, involving 1,828 issues, an increase in overall issue volume despite a decline in the number of cases and individuals served. ADB's Ombuds, Wayne Blair said the data reflects a shift in case complexity, with the case-to-issue ratio rising to 1:4 from 1:3 in 2023. (This is Blair's last report as his term as Ombuds is ending.)

The annual report notes that cases in 2024 were increasingly layered, involving multiple, overlapping concerns and heightened interpersonal tensions, which was attributed in part to global pressures affecting staff stress and patience. Capacity constraints within the office, driven by limited human resources, resulted in some individuals being queued, with certain matters evolving beyond the office’s appropriate scope before meetings could be scheduled. (ADB Ombuds 2024 Report.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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