By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — Nigeria is set to welcome public relations leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, business executives and communication professionals from around the world as Abuja hosts the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in November.
The week-long international gathering, themed “Responsible Communication.The Voice of the World,” is expected to bring global attention to the changing role of communication in governance, peacebuilding, technology, misinformation, conflict resolution and sustainable development.
A major attraction of the event will be the inaugural Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, with organisers targeting about 10,000 people as part of the forum’s corporate social responsibility and cultural programme.
President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, disclosed the plans during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Monday.
Neliaku said the forum would go beyond a conventional professional conference by creating an opportunity for communication practitioners to engage directly with policymakers, business leaders, institutions and other major users of communication services.
According to him, the conversations are expected to contribute to the development of the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a proposed framework that could shape the direction of the global public relations profession for the next decade.
He said the organisers deliberately decided to bring stakeholders into the same room to listen to their expectations, challenges and experiences.
Global leaders expected in Abuja
The World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract thought leaders, policymakers and professional experts from different parts of the world.
Participants are expected from the fields of business, politics, governance, commerce, academia, technology, military and security, faith, culture, civil society, youth development, traditional institutions, diplomacy and international organisations.
The programme will feature high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, networking sessions and expert-led learning opportunities.
The event will also host the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, alongside an African Ministers of Information Roundtable, which Nigeria’s Minister of Information is expected to host.
Jollof, fashion and culture to showcase Nigeria
Beyond professional discussions, organisers are positioning WPRF 2026 as a major platform for international visitors to experience Nigeria’s culture.
The maiden Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival is expected to feed approximately 10,000 people, bringing one of Nigeria’s most popular dishes to the centre of the international gathering.
A seven-hour tailoring pavilion will also showcase Nigerian and African fashion, allowing international visitors to have African outfits made and take them home as cultural souvenirs.
The programme will further feature exhibitions, entertainment and an experience zone highlighting different aspects of Nigerian and African culture, arts, cuisine and creativity.
Neliaku said the cultural components were deliberately included to ensure that international delegates experience Nigeria beyond the conference room.
Abuja Declaration to shape the future of PR
One of the major expected outcomes of the forum is the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication.
The declaration is expected to build on the landmark Mexico 1978 statement, which helped establish an industry-wide definition of public relations and outlined key responsibilities of the profession.
Neliaku noted that the communication landscape has changed considerably since 1978, particularly with the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, misinformation and new forms of global interaction.
He said WPRF 2026 would therefore provide an opportunity for global PR leaders to reconsider existing principles and develop a framework suited to contemporary realities.
The discussions are expected to examine how public relations can contribute more effectively to governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and the management of emerging societal issues.
Neliaku described the forum as a “once-in-a-lifetime engagement” and called on stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of the profession.
Zambia’s President expected to deliver keynote
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to serve as chief host of the forum, while Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address.
Representatives and speakers are also expected from major international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO, Interpol, World Press Agency and World Customs Organization.
The programme will include the World Public Relations Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations in the profession.
A special Global Alliance publication on responsible communication is also expected to be unveiled during the event.
Youth summit to engage next generation
Youth participation will form another major component of WPRF 2026, with the Global Youth Public Relations Summit scheduled for Friday, November 20.
Neliaku said the NIPR, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and APRA were committed to developing a credible next generation of communication professionals.
He urged diplomatic missions to encourage young people from their respective countries to participate in the summit.
According to him, young people must be given opportunities to participate in international professional conversations and acquire the skills needed to become responsible future leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the High Commissioner of Cameroon, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIPR for engaging diplomatic missions ahead of the event.
Mellejor described the forum’s theme as timely, particularly against the backdrop of growing misinformation and fake news.
He said the gathering would allow communication professionals, academics and policymakers to explore the role of responsible communication in promoting social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development.
The diplomat also described Nigeria as a major economic, business, innovation and cultural hub, noting that Abuja was an appropriate location for the international gathering.
He assured the organisers of the Diplomatic Corps’ support towards the success of the forum.
Transcorp Hilton to host main activities
The main activities of the week-long programme will take place at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which will serve as the principal venue.
Neliaku said the hotel was selected because it provides accommodation, conference facilities, dining, entertainment and exhibition spaces within one location.
Arrangements have also reportedly been made with 19 other hotels across different categories to accommodate delegates with varying budgets.
The organisers said security arrangements were being put in place in collaboration with relevant Nigerian security agencies to ensure the safety of delegates and participants.
Neliaku urged diplomatic missions, international organisations, businesses and individuals to participate as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors.
He said the success of WPRF 2026 would ultimately depend on collective participation and cooperation among stakeholders.
Quoting the popular saying, he said: “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”
As Abuja prepares to welcome the global public relations community, WPRF 2026 is shaping up as more than a professional gathering it is also an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s culture, cuisine, fashion and hospitality to an international audience.
For more information, visit the official WPRF 2026 website at wprf2026.niprng.org.ng.
