OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT: Liberia Internet Governance Forum Secretariat Launches the Liberia IGF Academy to Strengthen Digital Governance Capacity and Public Participation
Monrovia, Liberia–06-25-2026: The Secretariat of the Liberia Internet Governance Forum (Liberia IGF) is pleased to announce the rollout of the –Liberia Internet Governance Forum Academy (Liberia IGF Academy), an innovative national capacity development initiative designed to broaden public understanding of Internet governance, strengthen digital leadership, and foster inclusive participation in shaping Liberia’s digital future.
The Liberia IGF Academy represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the national Internet governance ecosystem. Developed as a year-round learning and engagement platform, the Academy will provide structured education, practical skills development, policy dialogue, and leadership opportunities for citizens, particularly youth, women, civil society, academia, the technical community, government institutions, journalists, entrepreneurs, and the private sector. The Academy is being introduced in response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where decisions surrounding artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, digital rights, digital inclusion, online safety, emerging technologies, and Internet policy increasingly influence economic development, democratic governance, innovation, and human rights.
Internet governance is now a cornerstone of digital development, yet awareness, capacity, and meaningful participation remain limited across Liberia, the Mano River Union (MRU), West Africa, and many developing countries. Challenges such as limited public understanding, inadequate capacity on emerging digital issues, underrepresentation of youth and marginalized groups, and persistent digital divides continue to hinder inclusive participation in digital policymaking. These shared challenges underscore the growing need for sustained capacity development and multi-stakeholder collaboration to empower citizens and strengthen engagement in national, regional, and global Internet governance processes.
The Liberia IGF Academy has been established to complement existing Internet governance initiatives by providing a practical, inclusive, and year-round platform for continuous learning and capacity development. By combining digital literacy, technical and policy education, leadership development, mentorship, research, and multi-stakeholder engagement, the Academy bridges theory with practice to equip both newcomers and experienced professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to Internet governance. The Academy also supports the objectives of the Liberia Internet Governance Forum by developing a sustainable pipeline of informed stakeholders, strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting evidence-based policy dialogue, and fostering broader public participation in shaping Liberia’s digital future and engaging in regional and global Internet governance processes.
Peterking Quaye Head of Secretariat and National Convener of the Liberia IGF said, “The Internet is a vital resource that shapes education, business, governance, innovation, and everyday life. Yet meaningful participation in Internet governance requires knowledge, skills, and access to inclusive learning opportunities. The Liberia IGF Academy has been established to bridge this gap by providing practical, accessible, and year-round capacity development for both newcomers and experienced stakeholders. Quaye, further explained that “Our vision is to nurture a new generation of informed digital citizens and internet governance leaders who can contribute to national policymaking and effectively represent Liberia in regional and global digital governance processes.”
The Liberia IGF Academy will offer a comprehensive year-round programme of capacity-building activities, including foundational Internet governance education, digital policy and AI governance training, cybersecurity and digital safety workshops, digital rights awareness, technical learning, research and policy dialogues, mentorship, leadership development, and community outreach. Through strategic partnerships with government, academia, the technical community, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and regional and international Internet governance networks, the Academy aims to become Liberia’s leading center for Internet governance education, digital leadership, and multi-stakeholder capacity development.
The Liberia Internet Governance Forum (Liberia IGF) is the national multi-stakeholder platform that brings together government, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, youth, women, development partners, and citizens to discuss public policy issues relating to the Internet and the digital ecosystem. Guided by the principles of openness, inclusion, collaboration, and consensus-building, Liberia IGF promotes dialogue and cooperation to support an open, secure, inclusive, and resilient Internet for sustainable national development.
For media inquiries:
Secretariat
Liberia Internet Governance Forum (Liberia IGF)
Monrovia, Liberia
Email: liberiaigf@gmail.com | info@liberiaigf.org
Website: www.academy.liberiaigf.org
