Over 126 Countries, UN, World Bank, AU To Attend 2026 World Public Relations Forum In Nigeria
The Federal Government says it is fully prepared to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with more than 126 countries and leading international organisations expected to converge on Nigeria from November 15 to 22.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chief Host of the international event, which will bring together public relations experts, communication professionals and institutional representatives to discuss the future of responsible communication.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a world press conference organised ahead of the Forum.
He described the hosting opportunity as a significant achievement for Nigeria, noting that the country would become the first in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the prestigious global gathering.
The Minister particularly appreciated the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host both the World Public Relations Forum and the 37th APRA Conference.
Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” Idris said the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital platforms and emerging technologies had made ethical communication more important than ever.
He warned that misinformation, disinformation and declining public confidence posed serious challenges to the information ecosystem, urging public relations professionals to make truth, accuracy, transparency and accountability central to their practice.
The Minister maintained that public relations should not be limited to promoting organisations or protecting institutional reputations but must also serve the public interest.
He also identified the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as one of the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to strengthen responsible information consumption.
According to him, the institute will empower citizens, particularly young people, to recognise false information, critically assess media content and make informed decisions in an increasingly digital world.
Idris further called for improved engagement between government and citizens, insisting that effective communication must involve listening to the people and responding to their legitimate concerns.
He said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was working closely with NIPR and other relevant institutions to ensure adequate security, logistics, protocol arrangements, hospitality and stakeholder participation during the Forum.
The Minister assured international participants that Nigeria was ready to welcome them, adding that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural diversity, hospitality and economic potential.
In his remarks, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, praised Idris for his commitment to Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Forum.
He recalled that the Minister had charged the organising team to return with the hosting right, a directive he said played an important role in securing the event for Nigeria.
On his part, APRA Secretary-General, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, said hosting the WPRF alongside the 37th APRA Conference would provide Africa with an important platform to strengthen its influence in international communication.
Ibietan emphasised the need for African countries to develop a common voice on issues affecting the continent’s image and representation in global media and communication.
Also, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, confirmed that more than 126 countries would participate in the Forum.
He disclosed that international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission, would also be represented.
Green praised President Tinubu and Minister Idris for supporting Nigeria’s hosting bid, describing the Minister’s contribution as critical to the success of the initiative.
The event attracted several top government officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of NTA, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; and Director-General of FRCN, Dr Mohammed Bulama, alongside other senior officials and NIPR members.
