Call for Papers 2026
Local Governance & Development Summit · August 5–6, 2026 · D Calabash Hotel, Monrovia, Liberia
Submit Your Abstract
About the Call
Advancing Democratic Governance Research
IDAD invites original research papers examining emerging challenges and innovations in decentralized governance, inclusive development, and citizen-centered service delivery across Liberia and West Africa.
The summit bridges evidence and policy — creating a platform where rigorous research directly informs governance reform across Liberia's 15 counties.
Who Should Submit?
- Researchers & Academics
- Policy Practitioners
- Civil Society Actors
- Development Professionals
- Government Officials & Technocrats
- Graduate Students (with supervisor endorsement)
Thematic Areas
Five Pillars of Governance Reform
Each theme features a plenary session, expert presentations, and open discussion.
01
Decentralization & Governance Reform
Reviewing progress on the LGA 2018, intergovernmental relations, and the political will to drive decentralization forward.
02
Local Revenue Mobilization & Fiscal Management
Exploring property taxation, market fees, public financial management systems, and fiscal transfers.
03
Service Delivery & Community Development
Assessing health, education, water, sanitation, and infrastructure delivery at the local level.
04
Inclusive Governance & Civic Participation
Spotlighting gender equity, youth engagement, community oversight, and participatory planning.
05
Local Economic Development & Private Sector Engagement
Promoting local entrepreneurship, investment facilitation, and public-private partnerships.
Submission Guidelines
What We Are Looking For
- Abstracts of 300–500 words outlining the research problem, methodology, key findings, and policy relevance.
- Full papers (if invited): 5,000–8,000 words, APA 7th edition, excluding references.
- Papers must be in English, original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.
- Co-authored submissions welcome — list all authors with affiliations and lead contact.
- Empirically grounded: quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods all accepted.
- Papers on Liberia, West Africa, or comparable developing-country contexts especially encouraged.
Review & Selection
All submissions undergo double-blind peer review by a scientific committee of academics, policy experts, and governance practitioners.
Selection criteria:
- Originality of research
- Methodological rigor
- Relevance to summit themes
- Practical implications for local governance in Liberia and West Africa
Key Deadlines
Important Dates
Jun 29, 2026Abstract submission deadline
Open Now
Open Now
Jul 10, 2026Notification of abstract acceptance
Jul 22, 2026Full paper submission deadline
Jul 28, 2026Final confirmation to presenters
Aug 5–6, 2026Summit — paper presentations
Contact & Enquiries
Get in Touch
Phone+231-770-205-998 / +231-886-280-314
AddressInstitute for Democratic Action & Development, Monrovia, Liberia
Abstract Submission
Submit Your Abstract
Deadline: Jun 29, 2026 — confirmation within 48 hours.
Abstract Submitted
Thank you. Your abstract has been received. IDAD will respond by Jul 10, 2026.
Something went wrong. Please email summit2026@idadliberia.org directly.