The Ombudsman around the world Generally, it is not possible to export ‘the Danish model’ without adjustment – and this also applied in Jordan. This must be balanced against the ideal and the belief that certain basic conditions must be met for an ombudsman institution to function and benefit the individual citizen. Our collaboration projects require us to respect the differences that exist, but at the same time we are committed to certain ideals or fundamental conditions. In our view, the crucial thing is that a seed is sown and that we as collaborators show respect and a certain amount of patience in allowing reality and developments to determine whether a new institution is given the space and has the capacity and will to benefit the citizens. Different project types The Danish Ombudsman institution has a long tradition of active participation in bilateral cooperation around the establishment, development and consolidation of ombudsman offices. We feel an obligation because of the way in which we once received inspiration and willing assistance from Sweden. Initially, the dissemination was mainly a result of a personal effort by the ombudsmen themselves, as in the case of the first Danish Ombudsman, Stephan Hurwitz, and other ombudsmen, such as Sir Guy Powles from New Zealand and Alfred Bexelius from Sweden. Later, the ombudsman institutions and their employees have become involved, and at the same time international organisations such as the UN, OSCE, EU and IOI have developed traditions of pro­ viding financial and technical support. There also seems to be a certain prestige associated with helping to develop democratic institutions such as ombudsmen. In Denmark, an actual formalised collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ombudsman has existed since 2000. Through the agreement, the Ombudsman has obtained the resources to participate in international activities and actual collaboration projects aimed at developing democratic institutions, good governance and good administrative practice. Through Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs every year transfers an amount corresponding to one academic standard man-year with overheads to the Ombudsman office. Obviously, these resources are limited, but nonetheless they can result in participation in many activities. Broadly speaking, we are familiar with three types or stages where Danish assistance may be relevant: 1) the political clarification or decision phase, as in the projects in Vietnam and Jordan, 2) the establishment phase, when the political 75