International activities 2. International activities 2.1. International Ombudsman Institute (I.O.I.) The AOB was successful in the selection procedure to host the seat of the I.O.I. General Secretariat that has been underway since the end of 2007. During the board meeting held in Hong Kong from 5 to 7 November 2008, where the AOB was represented by Ombudspersons Dr. Kostelka and Dr. Brinek, the I.O.I. Board unanimously resolved to advise the general assembly, which would be convened in Stockholm in June 2009, to accept the Austrian offer. It was anticipated that the general assembly would comply with the recommendation of the board of directors. General Secretariat is moving to Vienna The AOB successfully passed the selection procedure because, thanks to the comprehensive support by the federal government and Parliament, it conclusively demonstrated its ability to fulfil all requirements set by the I.O.I. A long-term perspective, which is secure both financially and with regard to staff, for the better handling of administrative issues appeared to be of particular relevance to the I.O.I. The AOB's bid met this core criterion by holding out the prospect of forming an in-house international department that would also assume the duties of the I.O.I. Secretariat with a staff of three full-time civil servants and an adequate budget. Selection procedure Immediately after the results of the I.O.I. board meeting were announced, the preparations for the relocation of the I.O.I. administrative headquarters from its current location in Edmonton, Canada to Vienna were intensified. In conformance with the objectives of the I.O.I., the new Secretariat should be able to start full operations in early autumn 2009. Schedule With its efforts to host the I.O.I. Secretariat, the AOB has proven its international orientation in accordance with the government programme for 2008-2013. At the same time, it has demonstrated its readiness to commit itself on an international level to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, the realisation of which is a core interest of the I.O.I. 2.2. Council of Europe The activities of the Council of Europe with reference to human rights protection are of particular relevance for the AOB. AOB members and employees actively participated in a variety of projects and events last year. In June 2008 the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe and the French Ombudsman sponsored a workshop in Paris, at which human rights experts from over 30 countries, including representatives of European ombudsman institutions, the Council of Europe and the United Nations dealt with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). In his speech Ombudsman Active participation in conferences 32nd Report of the Austrian Ombudsman Board to the National Council and the Federal Council 2008 13