LIFESTYLE Culture

Nigeria to Host Global 2026 Public Relations Forum

by admin on | 2026-08-18 11:37:07

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By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

Nigeria is set to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) from November 15 to 21, bringing together about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries in a significant move to shape the global conversation on communication.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Monday during a briefing for members of the diplomatic community ahead of the global gathering.

Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Chairman of Council, described the forum as a “national project” that transcends the professional body, following Nigeria’s successful bid to host the event.

He called on diplomats to mobilise government spokespersons, communication professionals, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors from their respective countries.

The forum is being jointly organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the NIPR.

For Nigeria, WPRF 2026 is an opportunity to use communication as a tool for global influence, improve the country’s reputation, showcase its culture and potential, strengthen diplomatic and professional relationships, and position Abuja as a centre for global dialogue on responsible communication.

Dr Neliaku noted that the 2026 edition would be historic, as it marks the first time the forum will feature a global solution-policy interface, a platform bringing together public relations professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders who use strategic communication to advise governments, corporations and institutions.

He stated that the engagement is expected to culminate in the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a document intended to shape the global communication agenda for the next decade.

“Since Mexico ’78, when the World Public Relations Assembly was held in Mexico in 1978, there has never been anything close to what Nigeria is putting together,” Dr Neliaku said.

He recalled that the 1978 Mexico gathering produced the Mexico Statement, which established the industry-wide definition of public relations, and noted that the Abuja forum would revisit those principles in light of contemporary communication challenges.

The forum will attract global thought leaders, policymakers and professionals from diverse fields, including business, governance, politics, academia, technology, military and security, faith, culture, civil society, entertainment and the diplomatic community.

The President of Nigeria will serve as Chief Host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address.

Other speakers are scheduled to come from organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and Interpol.

Dr Suleiman Haruna, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, outlined a robust schedule of activities, including high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, the African Ministers of Information Roundtable and the Global Youth Public Relations Summit.

The week will also feature the World Public Relations Awards, the unveiling of a Global Alliance publication on responsible communication, an Experience Zone, exhibitions and a seven-hour tailoring pavilion showcasing African attire.

A notable CSR initiative is the Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, which is expected to feed 10,000 people. Additionally, the forum will witness the inauguration of what organisers described as the first University of Public Relations and Leadership in the world.

Dr Haruna emphasised the timeliness of the theme, given the prevalence of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other harmful communication trends.

He stressed that responsible communication is essential to promoting truth, trust, understanding, inclusion and peace rather than division.

Formal events will take place at the Transcorp Hilton, while exhibitions and an “Experience Nigeria Zone” will allow delegates to engage with Nigerian cuisine, culture and entertainment.

Dr Haruna confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements had been made, with multiple agencies involved in preparations.

Accommodation has been secured at discounted rates across five-, four- and three-star hotels, and transportation plans are in place for international delegates.

He urged diplomatic missions to mobilise government spokespersons, communication experts and professionals to attend, while also encouraging countries to sponsor students and persons with disabilities.

Dr Omonye Ibietan, Secretary-General of APRA, said the association had supported Nigeria’s bid to host both the WPRF and the 37th APRA Conference.

He noted that the conference would showcase Nigeria’s advancements in public relations and communication management while helping to redefine responsible communication for the coming decade.

Dr Ibietan announced that APRA would also launch an African Declaration on Public Relations and the Professionalisation of Public Relations during the forum.

He observed that the communication landscape had evolved significantly with the rise of social media and “mass self-communication”, underscoring the need for self-regulation and media literacy, and reaffirming the importance of placing the human being at the centre of development and global prosperity.

Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, NIPR Vice President and Chairman of the Continental Advisory Committee, unveiled the official WPRF Abuja 2026 theme song.

He described the song as a reflection of the spirit, aspirations and collective voice of a continent committed to dialogue, trust and responsible communication.

Professor Dandaura disclosed that organisers had embarked on a global and continental roadshow to mobilise participation, with engagements already held across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, North America, Southern Africa and other regions.

He described the theme song as a reminder that “the future belongs to those who can listen, connect, and communicate with integrity.”

Organisers urged the diplomatic community to participate actively and encourage their nationals to attend as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors.

Registration is ongoing, with special provisions for young practitioners, students and persons with disabilities.