Nigeria Set to Host 3,000 Delegates at 2026 World PR Forum on Responsible Communication
Oru Leonard
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in Nigeria is set to become the global centre of public relations and strategic communication as more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries converge in Nigeria for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
The international forum, scheduled for November 15 to 21, will bring together public relations professionals, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, academics, technology experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on the growing challenges posed by misinformation, fake news and declining public trust.
The event was unveiled on Monday at a joint briefing organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The 2026 WPRF is themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
According to the organisers, the forum is designed to move beyond professional networking to create meaningful dialogue among communication practitioners and the individuals, institutions and organisations that depend on effective communication.
President and Chairman of the NIPR Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the gathering would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to identify emerging challenges in the communication industry and collectively develop solutions for its future.
He said the programme would feature high-level policy dialogues, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions, as well as the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, African Ministers of Information Roundtable and Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to serve as Chief Host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The forum is also expected to attract representatives of major international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and INTERPOL.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, described the theme of the forum as particularly relevant to the challenges confronting societies today.
Mellejor noted that misinformation and fake news were increasingly influencing public discourse and shaping perceptions across countries, stressing the need for responsible communication to strengthen social cohesion and good governance.
He said the gathering would enable communication leaders, policymakers and academics from different parts of the world to explore ways of using responsible communication to advance inclusion, sustainable development, peace and international cooperation.
To facilitate the participation of international delegates, the organisers said arrangements had been made for visa processing, accommodation, security and medical services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Nigeria Immigration Service are expected to provide dedicated visa and consular support for participants attending the forum.
The main conference will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while 19 accredited hotels have reportedly been selected to provide accommodation for delegates across various budget categories.
The organisers have also called on diplomatic missions to mobilise their respective governments, public relations professionals, young practitioners, students and other stakeholders to participate in the event.
Participation will be open to delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors as Nigeria prepares to host one of the world’s major gatherings of communication professionals.
With participants expected from 126 countries, WPRF 2026 is expected to provide a significant international platform for examining how responsible and effective communication can promote public trust, peace, development, good governance and stronger international relations.
