Agenda & Programme

Agenda & Programme

Agenda & Programme – MRU IGF 2026

The MRU IGF 2026 programme will reflect the region’s evolving digital priorities and build on outcomes from 2024 and 2025.

Programme Structure

  • Day 0: MRU Youth IGF
  • Day 1: High-Level Opening & Policy Panels
  • Day 2: Technical Sessions & Regional Dialogues

Core Tracks

  • Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity
  • Cybersecurity & Internet Resilience
  • Digital Economy & FinTech
  • AI & Emerging Technologies
  • Digital Rights & Media Literacy
  • Youth Innovation & Skills

The programme will emphasize interactive dialogue, policy recommendations, and implementation pathways.

 

Agenda & Programme – MRU IGF 2026

The MRU IGF 2026 Programme builds on the outcomes of Freetown 2024 (foundation) and Monrovia 2025 (coordination), with a strong focus on implementation, accountability, and regional integration.

The programme is structured to ensure inclusive participation, multistakeholder dialogue, and actionable policy outcomes across the Mano River Union.

 

 Day 0: MRU Youth IGF 2026

Theme: Youth Innovation, Digital Skills & Future Jobs in the MRU Region

Time Session Description
09:00 – 09:30 Registration & Networking Arrival of youth delegates
09:30 – 10:00 Opening Remarks Youth Leaders, Government & Partners
10:00 – 11:00 Panel 1: Digital Skills → Jobs Pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship
11:00 – 11:30 Break
11:30 – 12:30 Workshop: AI & Emerging Tech for Youth Practical session on AI, coding, and innovation
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:30 Panel 2: Youth, Innovation & Startups Financing, incubation, and scaling ideas
14:30 – 15:30 Session: Online Safety & Cyber Hygiene Building safe digital communities
15:30 – 16:30 Youth Communiqué Drafting Policy recommendations from youth
16:30 – 17:00 Closing & Next Steps Presentation of key youth priorities

 

 Day 1: High-Level Opening & Policy Dialogue

Theme: Advancing Regional Digital Trust and Policy Alignment ( TBC ) /Sub -theme

Time Session Description
09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 10:30 Opening Ceremony Government, MRU Secretariat, UN IGF, Keynote
10:30 – 11:00 Group Photo & Networking
11:00 – 12:00 Panel 1: Regional Digital Infrastructure Cross-border connectivity, PPPs, affordability
12:00 – 13:00 Panel 2: Cybersecurity & Internet Resilience CERT collaboration, cyber threats, trust
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 Panel 3: Digital Economy & FinTech Mobile money, interoperability, digital trade
15:00 – 16:00 Panel 4: AI & Emerging Technologies AI policy, governance, innovation
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:30 Panel 5: Digital Rights & Media Literacy Misinformation, freedom of expression
17:30 – 18:00 Day 1 Wrap-Up Key takeaways and reflections

 

Day 2: Technical Sessions & Regional Coordination

Theme: From Policy to Implementation: Regional Action & Accountability ( TBC ) /Sub -theme

Time Session Description
09:00 – 09:30 Recap of Day 1 MRU IGF Secretariat
09:30 – 10:30 Panel 6: Platform Governance & Digital Economy Big Tech regulation, algorithm accountability
10:30 – 11:30 Panel 7: Data Protection & Privacy Regional harmonization & enforcement
11:30 – 12:00 Break
12:00 – 13:00 Regional Dialogue: MRU Policy Alignment Roaming, infrastructure, cybersecurity
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 Parliamentary Roundtable Legislative role in digital transformation
15:00 – 16:00 Stakeholder Working Groups Action planning (by thematic area)
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:30 Communiqué Presentation MRU IGF 2026 Outcomes
17:30 – 18:00 Closing Ceremony Government, MRU, Partners

 

 Core Tracks (Across All Days)

  • Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity
  • Cybersecurity & Internet Resilience
  • Digital Economy & FinTech
  • AI & Emerging Technologies
  • Digital Rights & Media Literacy
  • Youth Innovation & Skills

 

 Programme Approach

The MRU IGF 2026 programme is designed to:

Promote interactive multistakeholder dialogue
Deliver policy-relevant recommendations
Support regional coordination and harmonization
Strengthen youth and gender inclusion
Ensure implementation-focused outcomes

 

 Expected Outcomes

  • MRU IGF 2026 Communiqué
  • Youth Communiqué
  • Regional Policy recommendations
  • Strengthened MRU collaboration framework
  • Clear implementation roadmap for 2026–2027
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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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