MAG 2026

MAG 2026

The MRU IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) is responsible for shaping the programme, agenda, and thematic priorities of the forum.

The MAG reflects a balanced representation from:

  • Government
  • Parliament
  • Civil Society
  • Technical Community
  • Private Sector
  • Youth Representatives
  • Academia

Role of the MAG

  • Review and select session proposals
  • Ensure regional balance and inclusivity
  • Align MRU priorities with global IGF processes
  • Promote transparency and accountability

 

Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG 2026)

The Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) is the primary body responsible for the strategic, transparent, and inclusive development of the MRU IGF 2026 programme.

The MAG ensures that the Forum remains:

  • Neutral and non-commercial
  • Multistakeholder and inclusive
  • Regionally balanced across MRU member states
  • Aligned with global Internet governance principles

 

The MAG operates in accordance with the United Nations IGF framework and the National & Regional Initiatives (NRI) Toolkit, serving as a cornerstone of the credibility, legitimacy, and policy relevance of the MRU IGF.

 

 Role & Responsibilities of the MAG

Function Area Key Responsibilities
Agenda Development Review Call for Input submissions and shape a balanced, policy-driven programme
Multistakeholder Balance Ensure representation across government, private sector, civil society, technical community, academia, and youth
Quality Assurance Maintain non-commercial, open, and dialogue-based sessions
Strategic Guidance Advise on thematic priorities (AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, etc.)
Regional Coordination Align priorities across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire
Transparency & Accountability Publish summaries, draft agendas, and decisions
Youth & Gender Inclusion Ensure equitable participation and representation
Programme Integrity Maintain alignment with UN IGF standards

 

 List of MAG Members – MRU IGF 2026

The MAG is composed of individuals selected for their expertise, experience, and stakeholder representation, serving in their individual capacity.

Name Organization Stakeholder Group Country
D. Nolan Kaine Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications -Liberia Government Liberia
Phil T. Dixon Private Sector Association Private Sector Liberia
Dr. Abudlai Sonko Ministry of Information, & Innovation – Sierra Leone Government Sierra Leone
TBC Ministry of Information, & Innovation – Guinea Government Guinea
Paul M.  Kamara Civil Society Organization Youth -Civil Society Sierra Leone
Hon. Angella Cassell Bush Telecommunications Regulator Technical Community Liberia
Shadrack Mentowah ISP / Registry Technical Community Liberia
ISOC Chapter Representative-Liberia Internet Society Technical Community Sierra Leone
ISOC Chapter Representative-Guinea Internet Society Technical Community Guinea
Edward William Internet Society Technical Community Liberia
Dr. Agness Reeve-Taylor University / Research Institute Academia Liberia
James Samuel Kpator Youth Network Youth Liberia
Winnie Sawyah -Jimmy Media / Digital Rights Group Media Liberia
Ajara Marie Bomah National IGF – Sierra Leone Civil Society / Private Sierra Leone
Sankoumba Kourouma National IGF- Guinea Civil Society / Policy Guinea
Stepanie Coleman National IGF – Liberia Civil Society / Policy Guinea
Mamadi Kallo Youth IGF- Guinea Youth  
Edmund Kloh Telecom / Tech Private Sector MRU Region
Sangai Moliwuli Women in ICT -Representative Gender Network Gender / Inclusion MRU Region

Note: This list will be updated as confirmations are finalized to ensure regional balance and inclusivity.

 

 

MAG Selection Process (2026)

The MAG 2026 was constituted through a transparent, inclusive, and consultative process, guided by the UN IGF NRI Toolkit:

Step Description
Call for Nominations Open call across MRU stakeholder groups
Stakeholder Review Evaluation based on expertise, diversity, and balance
Regional Balance Check Ensuring representation across MRU countries
Confirmation & Acceptance Selected members confirmed participation
Public Disclosure Final list published on MRU IGF website

MAG members:

  • Serve in an individual capacity
  • Must declare conflicts of interest
  • Commit to IGF principles and ethics

 

 MAG Decisions & Communiqués

In line with transparency and accountability standards:

Output Type Status / Description
Summary of Call for Input Review To be published
Draft Agenda (Consultation Version) To be published
Final Programme Approval Note To be published
MAG Guidance Notes As applicable
Meeting Summaries Periodically updated

 

Available Documents

Document Status
MAG 2026 Terms of Reference (ToR) Published
Call for Input Summary Report Pending
Draft Agenda Endorsement Note Pending
Final Programme Approval Note Pending

 

 Commitment to IGF Principles

All MAG members commit to upholding:

  • Openness and inclusivity
  • Multistakeholder participation
  • Non-commercial dialogue
  • Respectful engagement
  • Transparency and accountability

 

Strategic Importance of the MAG

The MAG plays a critical role in ensuring that MRU IGF 2026 is:

Community-driven
Policy-relevant
Regionally coordinated
Globally aligned with IGF processes

 

 Secretariat Note

This page is maintained in line with UN IGF Secretariat and ISOC Foundation expectations.

  • It supports funding assessments and transparency requirements
  • Updates to MAG composition, decisions, and outputs will be regularly reflected
  • The MRU IGF Secretariat remains committed to full compliance with NRI standards

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.