IGMENA

IGMENA is a Hivos programme that brings voices together from the MENA region (Middle East and North African region) on Internet Governance and policies.

In response to the importance of internet during the "Arab Spring", and the limited amount of legal framework for Internet freedoms that exist in most of those countries, IGMENA believes in assuring freedom of expression and information within MENA counties. Thus, its two main objectives are:

• Improved Knowledge on Internet Governance in the MENA region
  
  • Building stakeholder capacity on the Internet Governance process by conducting awareness-raising activities both on-site and online
  • Empowering stakeholders to take the lead in advancing Internet policy agendas in their countries and to be engaged in regional policy dialogue at the Arab Internet Governance Forum, as well as global discussion at the IGF.

• Enhanced Legislation on Internet Policies in the MENA region
  
  • Raising stakeholder awareness on how to influence the decision-making process and play an active role in promoting and safeguarding local Internet freedoms
  • Drafting Internet-related policies through a participatory approach that engages multiple stakeholders