Call for Input MRU IGF 2026

Call for Input

Open Call for Inputs (Multistakeholder Consultation)

In line with the UN IGF NRI principles, MRU IGF 2026 adopts a bottom-up, inclusive approach to agenda development.

We invite stakeholders to submit inputs on:

  • Policy priorities for the MRU region
  • Session proposals and workshop ideas
  • Emerging issues (AI, platform governance, cybersecurity)
  • Youth and gender inclusion strategies
  • Digital economy and innovation challenges

 

The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2026 invites open, inclusive, and non-commercial contributions from stakeholders across the region and beyond to shape the MRU IGF 2026 programme agenda.

This Call for Input follows:

  • Review of MRU IGF 2025 Final Report (Monrovia)
  • Outcomes from MRU Youth IGF 2025 Communiqué
  • Regional consultations across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire **
  • Strategic guidance from the MRU IGF 2026 Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG)

 

This process represents a key milestone in ensuring a transparent, bottom-up, and community-driven agenda development process.

 

Objective of the Call

The MRU IGF 2026 Call for Input aims to ensure the programme reflects:

Focus Area Description
Regional Digital Priorities Infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital economy, and AI
National Contexts Country-specific challenges and reforms across MRU states
Emerging Issues Platform governance, data protection, misinformation
Youth & Inclusion Digital skills, jobs, gender inclusion
Global Alignment WSIS+20, UN IGF priorities, and global digital governance

 

 

 

 

 

 Submission Guidelines & Template

All submissions must be:

✔ Policy-oriented
✔ Non-commercial
✔ Multistakeholder in approach
✔ Relevant to MRU regional priorities

 

Who Can Submit

Stakeholder Group
Government & Public Institutions
Regulators & Technical Community
Private Sector & Startups
Civil Society Organizations
Academia & Research Institutions
Youth Groups & Women-led Initiatives
Community Networks
Independent Experts & Practitioners

 

What to Submit (Required Template)

Field Description
Proposed Topic / Session Title Clear and relevant title
Description (Max 150 words) Summary of the issue
Key Policy Questions 2–3 guiding questions
Stakeholder Groups Who should participate
Session Format Panel, workshop, roundtable, lab, etc.
Expected Outcomes Policy recommendations, reports, action plans
Submitter Information Name, organization (or individual)

Submissions that do not follow this structure or promote commercial interests will not be considered.

 

 Timeline & Key Dates (Agenda Development Phase)

Activity Date
Call for Input Opens 2 February 2026
Submission Deadline 6 March 2026 (23:59 GMT)
MAG Review Period 7 – 20 March 2026
Publication of Submission Summary 1 May 2026
Draft Agenda Publication 5 June 2026

✔ A public summary of submissions will be published to ensure transparency
✔ Individual evaluations will remain confidential

 

 Agenda Selection Process

Step Description
Submission Review MAG reviews all valid submissions
Evaluation Criteria Relevance, diversity, feasibility, policy impact
Balance Check Gender, youth, geographic, stakeholder balance
Draft Agenda Developed and published for transparency
Final Approval Consensus-based MAG decision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 How to Submit

All submissions must be made via the official MRU IGF platform:

🔗 Submit Your Input: https://forms.gle/3yhjAZytU25hfjRC9

🔗 Vote for MRU IGF 2026 Main Theme: https://forms.gle/o1T9PVstCBJondee8

 

 Contact for Inquiries

For questions or clarification, please contact:

MRU IGF Secretariat
Email: manoriverunionigf@gmail.com ||| info@mruigf.org
Subject Line: “MRU IGF 2026 – Call for Input & Theme Voting”

 

 Commitment to NRI Principles

This Call for Input process is conducted in full alignment with:

  • Openness and inclusivity
  • Multistakeholder participation
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Bottom-up agenda development

 

MRU IGF 2026 is a community-driven platform — your input will directly shape regional digital policy dialogue and outcomes.

 

This page supports UN IGF Secretariat and ISOC Foundation compliance requirements, including:

✔ Transparent agenda development
✔ Public documentation of inputs
✔ Inclusive participation mechanisms

Updates will be published regularly as the process evolves.

 

Submit

Importance within MRU Region

The MRU School on Internet Governance is of paramount importance within the MRU region because.

Capacity Development

It addresses the critical need for skilled individuals who can shape and implement effective internet governance policies within the MRU countries.

Knowledge Dissemination

By offering educational programs, it disseminates crucial internet governance knowledge and best practices.

Empowerment

It empowers participants to take an active role in shaping the digital policies and strategies of their nations.

Youth Inclusion

The school actively engages and trains young leaders, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead in the digital era.

Together, the MRU IGF and the MRU School on Internet Governance form a dynamic partnership that advances digital inclusion, fosters collaboration, and empowers MRU countries to shape their digital destinies. They stand as a testament to the MRU region’s commitment to embracing the digital age and ensuring that the benefits of the internet are accessible to all.

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