Local Governance & Development Summit 2026
Convening leaders, researchers & practitioners to advance decentralized governance across Liberia.
About the Summit
Liberia's Premier Governance Dialogue Platform
The Local Governance & Development Summit 2026 is a flagship convening by IDAD, bringing together government officials, researchers, civil society leaders, development partners, and citizens to examine the state of local governance in Liberia.
The summit provides a structured platform to share evidence, debate policy options, and forge partnerships that strengthen decentralized governance and service delivery across all 15 counties.
This is the premier governance dialogue space in Liberia — shaping the policies and institutions that will define the country's democratic future.
Event At A Glance
DateAugust 5–6, 2026
VenueD Calabash Hotel, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia
Time8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
RegistrationFree — open to all
AudienceGovernment, civil society, academia, media, development partners
Summit Themes
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.
Programme
Indicative Agenda
Full programme confirmed closer to the date.
Day 1 — Tuesday, August 5, 2026 D Calabash Hotel
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Ceremony — Welcome by IDAD Executive Director; Keynote address |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | Plenary 1: Decentralization & Governance Reform |
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Tea / Coffee Break |
| 11:20 – 13:00 | Plenary 2: Local Revenue Mobilization & Fiscal Management |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Research Paper Presentations — Themes 1 & 2 (parallel sessions) |
| 15:30 – 15:50 | Tea / Coffee Break |
| 15:50 – 17:00 | Panel Discussion: Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers |
| 18:00 | Welcome Dinner (by invitation) |
Day 2 — Wednesday, August 6, 2026 D Calabash Hotel
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Morning Networking |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Plenary 3: Service Delivery & Community Development |
| 10:30 – 10:50 | Tea / Coffee Break |
| 10:50 – 12:20 | Plenary 4: Inclusive Governance & Civic Participation |
| 12:20 – 13:20 | Lunch Break |
| 13:20 – 14:50 | Plenary 5: Local Economic Development & Private Sector Engagement |
| 14:50 – 15:50 | Research Paper Presentations — Themes 3, 4 & 5 |
| 15:50 – 16:10 | Tea / Coffee Break |
| 16:10 – 17:00 | Closing Ceremony — Summit Communique & Closing Remarks |
Speakers
Keynote Speakers & Panellists
Confirmed speakers announced progressively. Check back for updates.
👤
Speaker 1
To be announced
👤
Speaker 2
To be announced
👤
Speaker 3
To be announced
👤
Speaker 4
To be announced
Free Registration
Register for the Summit
Secure your place at Liberia's premier democratic governance summit.
Registration Confirmed
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