By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As fake news and misinformation undermine global public trust, Nigeria is preparing to host over 3,000 delegates from 126 countries for a major conference on responsible communication.
The 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) will take place from November 15 to 21 in Abuja, convening global leaders, policymakers, and experts across business, technology, governance, academia, and civil society.
The event details were announced on Monday during a joint Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) briefing with the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The forum is themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” and will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine emerging challenges and the future direction of global communication.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), said the forum would go beyond a conventional professional conference by bringing communication practitioners together with the people, institutions and organisations that use their services.
“The engagement would enable stakeholders to identify emerging challenges and collectively shape the future direction of the global communication profession.”
He noted that the forum would feature high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions, alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, African Ministers of Information Roundtable and Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chief Host, while Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Representatives and participants are also expected from major international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and INTERPOL.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, described the forum’s theme as timely.
Mellejor said the theme was particularly relevant in view of the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news, which continue to affect public discourse and societies across the world.
“The theme is particularly timely, given the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news, which continue to shape public discourse and influence societies across the world,” he said.
He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for global communication leaders, academics and policymakers to examine the role of responsible communication in promoting social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development.
“The gathering will provide an opportunity for global communication leaders, academics and policymakers to examine the role of responsible communication in promoting social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development,” he said.
Organisers said delegates would have access to visa, accommodation, security and medical arrangements, with relevant government agencies providing dedicated consular support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Nigeria Immigration Service are also working on dedicated visa and consular support for WPRF participants.
The main programme will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while 19 accredited hotels have been selected to accommodate delegates across different budget categories.
The organisers urged diplomatic missions to encourage their governments, communication professionals, young practitioners, students and other stakeholders to participate in the global gathering.
They also encouraged participation as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors, as Nigeria prepares to host the international forum.
With over 126 nations participating, WPRF 2026 will offer a key global platform to discuss how effective communication drives peace, development, good governance, and international cooperation.
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