The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has confirmed his participation as a panellist at the upcoming Papyrus Global Mayors Conference & Awards 2026, organizers announced.
Rafsanjani’s inclusion is expected to bring a strong civil society perspective to discussions at the conference, particularly on governance, transparency, and accountability at the local government level. The event will convene mayors, policymakers, development experts, and civic leaders from across Africa and beyond to examine strategies for improving urban leadership and sustainable development outcomes.
According to a statement by The Papyrus Global, Rafsanjani will contribute to high-level panel discussions addressing key governance challenges and reform opportunities facing local administrations.
During the session, he is expected to draw on the work of CISLAC in promoting legislative accountability and civic oversight. His contributions will focus on strengthening transparency mechanisms within local governments and enhancing citizen participation in decision-making processes. Observers say his experience in monitoring public institutions and advocating for policy reforms positions him as a significant voice in conversations around democratic governance.
Rafsanjani is also expected to address the role of legislative frameworks in shaping effective local governance systems. His remarks will likely highlight the need for policy alignment that empowers local authorities, ensures equitable allocation of resources, and supports institutional reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
In addition, he will emphasize the importance of civic engagement and participatory governance, underscoring the role of civil society organizations and community stakeholders in influencing policy and holding public officials accountable. His participation is expected to include practical recommendations on how to strengthen collaboration between governments and citizens in monitoring projects and ensuring transparency.
Conference organizers said the panel will also examine the challenges confronting local leadership, including corruption, weak institutional capacity, and governance inefficiencies. Rafsanjani is expected to provide insights into how these challenges can be addressed through accountability-driven reforms and innovative governance practices.
During the interactive session, he will respond to questions from fellow panellists, moderators, and participants, offering evidence-based perspectives and policy-oriented solutions. His contributions are expected to provide guidance for mayors and local government officials seeking to improve governance standards and build public trust.
Analysts note that Rafsanjani’s participation reflects a broader recognition of the role of civil society in shaping governance discourse across Africa. His involvement is also seen as reinforcing the conference’s focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership.
The Papyrus Global Mayors Conference & Awards 2026 is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing effective and citizen-centered local governance.
Organizers added that the presence of Rafsanjani underscores the event’s commitment to promoting reforms that strengthen democratic institutions and support sustainable development at the grassroots level.
