Nigeria will take centre stage in global public relations and strategic communication in November as Abuja hosts the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), bringing together leading communication professionals, policymakers, diplomats and representatives of major international institutions.
The week-long forum, themed “Responsible Communication – The Voice of the World,” is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders across public relations, government, business, academia, technology and security to examine emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the future of communication.
President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, disclosed the plans during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, one of the major outcomes of the gathering will be the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a document expected to establish an agenda for the global public relations profession for the next decade.
The declaration will focus on the impact of rapidly evolving technologies and communication trends, including artificial intelligence, social media, digital communication and the growing challenge of misinformation.
The forum will also feature the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, an African Ministers of Information Roundtable, expert-led sessions, workshops, masterclasses and networking opportunities designed to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants.
Nigeria to showcase culture, hospitality
Beyond discussions on the future of public relations, organisers are positioning the forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity, creativity and hospitality to international visitors.
A major attraction will be the maiden Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, which is expected to serve about 10,000 people. The festival will provide international delegates with an opportunity to experience one of Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary traditions while engaging with the country’s vibrant food culture.
Delegates will also have access to a seven-hour tailoring pavilion where African outfits will be produced for them, adding a creative and cultural dimension to the international gathering.
The event is expected to draw representatives of prominent international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO, Interpol and the World Customs Organization, alongside other global and regional organisations.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to serve as the chief host, while Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address.
The programme will further feature the World Public Relations Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in the profession, while a Global Alliance publication on responsible communication is expected to be unveiled.
Youth take centre stage
Youth participation will also form an important component of the forum, with the Global Youth Public Relations Summit scheduled for November 20.
The summit is expected to provide younger communication professionals and emerging leaders with opportunities to engage global experts, exchange ideas and contribute to discussions about the future direction of the profession.
The main activities will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while 19 other hotels have been designated to accommodate delegates expected from Nigeria and abroad.
Neliaku urged diplomatic missions, businesses, international organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the forum as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors.
The NIPR leadership believes the gathering will strengthen Nigeria’s role in international conversations on responsible communication while providing a platform for the country to project its cultural, creative and hospitality offerings to a global audience.
With the proposed Abuja Declaration expected to chart a new course for public relations amid rapid technological change, the 2026 WPRF is set to place Nigeria at the heart of debates over how communication can remain credible, ethical and responsible in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.