Call for Issues

Call for Issues

Date of Issue: June 10, 2025
Deadline for Submission: August 30, 2025
Submit via Email: manoriverunionigf@gmail.com / info@mruigf@.org

 

Have Your Say in Shaping the Internet in the MRU Region!

The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2025 invites stakeholders from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire—including civil society, government, private sector, academia, youth, and technical communities—to submit proposed issues, session ideas, and speaking topics for this year’s forum.

 

Your submissions will help shape the Agenda of MRU IGF 2025, to be held under the theme:

“Fostering Inclusive, Resilient, and Trusted Digital Ecosystems in the MRU Region”

 Submission Categories

Participants may submit proposals under the following formats:

FORMAT DESCRIPTION
Workshop Interactive sessions with 3–5 speakers and active audience participation
Lightning Talk 30–45 minute short presentations by an individual on a focused topic
Panel Discussion Structured sessions with multiple speakers and moderator
Townhall/Community Dialogue Inclusive dialogue with audience engagement
Youth or SIG Sessions Youth-led and SIG (School of Internet Governance) topics or showcase
BoF (Birds of a Feather) Informal group discussions on shared interests

Key Priority Themes – Aligned with UN IGF 2025 & MRU Priorities

Your submission should fall within or align to one or more of these thematic tracks:

  1. AI, Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation
  • Responsible AI, Ethics & Governance
  • Blockchain, IoT and local adoption
  • Digital skills for AI-driven economies
  1. Cybersecurity, Trust & Resilience
  • National cyber strategies
  • Cross-border cybercrime coordination
  • Data protection and privacy frameworks
  1. Access, Connectivity & Infrastructure
  • Rural and last-mile connectivity in MRU
  • Community networks and spectrum use
  • Internet cost and quality challenges
  1. Digital Rights & Internet Freedom
  • Censorship and shutdowns in West Africa
  • Online gender-based violence and protection
  • Freedom of expression and human rights online
  1. Digital Economy & Innovation
  • E-commerce and digital trade in the MRU
  • Financial inclusion and mobile money
  • Support for tech start-ups and innovation hubs

 

  1. Youth, Women & Marginalized Groups in Digital Spaces
  • Bridging the gender digital divide
  • Youth digital inclusion and civic engagement
  • Capacity building and digital literacy
  1. Climate, Environment, and Green Tech
  • Green ICT infrastructure
  • Tech for environmental monitoring and response
  • Climate data access and open innovation
  1. Media, Information Integrity & Digital Literacy
  • Fighting disinformation and hate speech
  • Media regulation and responsible journalism
  • Building media resilience in fragile democracies

 

 How to Submit

Send your proposals to:

info@mruigf.org
manoriverunionigf@gmail.com
secretariate.mruigf@gmail.com
with the subject: MRU IGF 2025 – Issue Submission.

Please include the following:

  1. Title of the Session or Issue
  2. Format (Workshop, Lightning Talk, etc.)
  3. Summary (max 300 words) explaining:
    • Relevance to the MRU Region
    • Stakeholders involved
    • Expected outcomes
  4. Proposed Speakers (if any)
  5. Your contact information

Important Dates

MILESTONE DATE
Call Opens June 10, 2025
Deadline for Submissions September 10, 2025
Notifications to Submitters October 5, 2025
Final Agenda Published November 1, 2025
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.

Latest Updates