The first International Conference of Military Ombudsman Institutions was held to mark the 50th anniversary of Germany's Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, in collaboration with DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance.

Representatives from various countries shared insights on best practices and lessons learned regarding mandates, powers, and operations of military ombudsman institutions, including their roles in overseas deployments.

The conference aimed to foster international cooperation, concluding with the adoption of the “Berlin Declaration” to formalize future exchanges and collaborations. States without military ombudsman institutions but interested in learning were also invited. The conference gave special attention to the role of ombudsman institutions in military deployments abroad.