Dame Pauline Tallen to Chair African Mayors Conference in Abuja
Former Minister of Women Affairs and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, was announced as chairlady of the 2026 Papyrus Global Mayors Conference and Awards (PAGMACA), an event organised to promote effective local governance and recognise leadership contributions across Africa.
According to a report published by *Leadership*, Tallen was selected to lead the conference, which was scheduled for April 29 to May 1, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The conference was designed to bring together local government chairmen, mayors, policymakers, development partners and governance experts to exchange ideas on strengthening grassroots administration and advancing sustainable community development.
## Tallen’s grassroots governance experience
Tallen’s selection reflects her extensive experience in public service, spanning local government, state administration and the federal government.
She began her political career as a councillor before rising to become Deputy Governor of Plateau State. She also served as Minister of Women Affairs and Minister of State for Science and Technology.
The organisers highlighted her background in grassroots administration and public service as relevant to the conference’s focus on inclusive leadership, community development and effective governance.
Her participation was expected to support discussions on improving local government institutions, encouraging women’s participation in leadership and promoting collaboration among African local authorities.
## Conference focuses on sustainable African communities
The 2026 edition of PAGMACA was organised around the theme, **“Strengthening Local Governance for Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable African Communities.”**
The programme was expected to feature discussions on governance innovation, institutional capacity-building, economic development, community resilience and partnerships to improve service delivery.
The awards component was intended to recognise local government leaders whose work was considered significant in grassroots administration and community development.
## The Papyrus Global’s continental vision
The Papyrus Global, operating under Damsas Mega Business Limited, has developed the conference and awards as part of its efforts to create a platform for leadership recognition and international engagement.
The initiative was previously known as the Papyrus Global Local Government Chairmen/Mayors Conference and Awards (PAGLOGMA) before being rebranded as the Papyrus Global Mayors Conference and Awards (PAGMACA).
The rebranding was announced as part of the organisation’s effort to broaden its international reach and strengthen participation by local government leaders from different countries.
Through its conference and awards programmes, The Papyrus Global seeks to encourage knowledge-sharing, highlight public service contributions and promote dialogue on governance challenges affecting communities across Africa.
The organisation’s activities also span media and publishing through Papyrus Global TV, Papyrus Magazine and Papyrus Daily.
**Source:** Leadership Newspaper, *“Dame Tallen to Chair Papyrus Global Mayors Conference and Awards.”*
Read the original report: https://leadership.ng/dame-tallen-to-chair-papyrus-global-mayors-conference-and-awards/
