Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.
Sunday 15 – Saturday 21 November 2026 | Abuja Nigeria
Register#WPRFNIGERIA2026
Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Event: Golf & Polo Tournament
Date: Monday 16 – Saturday 21 November 2026
Venues: Transcorp Hilton
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Residences: Transcorp Hilton, Abuja continental Hotels (Former sheraton) and others.
In November 2026, the global community of public relations and communication leaders will converge in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 13th World Public Relations Forum (WPRF). Organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), this landmark event coincides with the Silver Jubilee of the Global Alliance and promises to be a defining moment for the profession. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and cultural powerhouse, offers an exceptional backdrop for this historic gathering. Abuja, the nation’s capital, is renowned for its modern infrastructure, strategic accessibility, and proven capacity to host world-class international events. With state-of-the-art facilities at the International Conference Centre and luxury hospitality provided by premier hotels, delegates will experience an environment that blends professionalism with Nigeria’s famed warmth and cultural richness.
Themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World”, WPRF 2026 will explore the role of communication in advancing trust, ethical leadership, social cohesion, and sustainable development. At a time when misinformation, fragmentation, and global uncertainty pose new challenges, the forum will provide a platform for dialogue on how public relations can foster integrity, inclusion, and shared progress.
The programme features keynote addresses by world-renowned thought leaders, academic discourses, multi-level plenary sessions, cultural showcases, and youth engagement initiatives. Highlights include the unveiling of the Global Alliance Anthem, a Presidential Banquet at Aso Villa, the World Cultural Parade, an African Culture Splash, a Public Relations Book Fair, and networking events that bridge continents. Beyond intellectual exchange, these experiences will celebrate diversity, promote global partnerships, and project Africa’s creativity and innovation onto the world stage.
With endorsements from the African Public Relations Association (APRA), the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and other international partners, Nigeria is poised to deliver a transformative forum that will leave a lasting legacy for the global profession. By hosting WPRF 2026, NIPR affirms its leadership in redefining public relations as a force for governance, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
Sponsor or Exhibit
The theme is “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” It highlights the role of communication in building trust, ensuring ethical leadership, fostering inclusion, and promoting sustainability. It directly responds to global challenges such as misinformation, conflicts, declining institutional trust, and cultural divides. The Global Alliance is currently campaigning for responsible communication to be recognised as the 18th Sustainable Development Goal.
It reflects the urgency of embedding responsibility and ethics into communication practice.
At this time of rapid technological disruption, polarisation, and disinformation, the forum will position
PR professionals as ethical leaders, who bridge divides and amplify marginalised voices. Hosting it in Africa
underscores communication’s role in development, cohesion, and global governance.
Below are the Five (5) core components of responsible communication:
Responsible communication fosters credibility by upholding honesty, transparency and accountability, countering misinformation and strengthening public confidence.
It amplifies underrepresented voices, promotes equity, and bridges cultural and social divides, thereby advancing cohesion and shared progress.
It aligns with global development priorities by supporting climate action, social justice and governance, positioning communication as vital to sustainable progress.
It ensures that rapid digital advances are balanced with ethical responsibility, addressing challenges of disinformation, data misuse and artificial intelligence.
It positions communication as a unifying force in governance and diplomacy, enabling accountable leadership, international cooperation and peacebuilding.
Attending the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 is not just an opportunity for professional growth and networking but also a chance to deeply engage with this year's compelling theme: “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” Here are several reasons to attend:
Sponsorship provides unmatched opportunities for:
Showcase your brand to an elite audience of global leaders and media.
Engage directly with decision-makers and executives from around the world.
Receive extensive coverage across various media platforms.
Gain visibility with future clients and partners.
Position your organization as a leader in responsible communication and corporate governance.
Demonstrate a commitment to Nigeria's global image.
The seven-day programme features a variety of academic, cultural, and social events designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate.
In-depth academic sessions with thought leaders and experts.
Engaging discussions on global and national communication issues.
Interactive sessions for the next generation of PR professionals.
Celebrating Africa’s rich culture, heritage, and unity.
Exciting social sporting events for networking and relaxation.
Cocktails, cultural showcases, fashion shows, and more.
Recognizing excellence in communication and leadership.
Experience Nigeria’s vibrant culture, music, and traditions through live entertainment, exhibitions, and showcases.
An entertainment village, featuring live bands, cultural shows, exhibitions, food, and drinks. A celebration of Nigeria’s culture, music, and cuisine.
Showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage — Fulani maidens, Kanem Bornu trumpeters, and Eyo masquerade performers in vivid displays of culture and tradition.
Bringing together decision-makers, experts, and global media to amplify Nigeria’s voice and influence.
Participants from over 126 countries, including communication experts, CEOs, policymakers, government officials, private sector leaders, youth groups, civil society, academics, and journalists worldwide.
Extensive coverage from global and regional media, including: CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, NTA, AIT, Channels, TVC, Arise, FRCN, VON, NAN, The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, The Nation, ThisDay, Daily Trust, etc.
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MONDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – KNOWLEDGE CONFERENCE Theme: “Responsible Communication in a Digitised World” Time: 9:00am (Delegates and Guests to be seated by 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Activity | Time | Role | Proposed Speakers |
| 1 | Plenary – Opening Speech | 9:15am – 9:55am | Opening Speakers | To be confirmed |
| 2 | Keynote Speech | 10:00am – 10:30am | Keynote Speaker | To be confirmed |
| 3 | Formal Opening | 10:32am – 11:00am | Special Guest of Honour | To be confirmed |
| Tea / Coffee Break | ||||
| PANEL DISCUSSIONS | ||||
| 4 | Misinformation and Social Cohesion: Restoring Trust through Public Relations | 11:30am – 12:14pm | Panel Discussion 1 | To be confirmed |
| 5 | Sustainability in Public Relations: Advancing a Responsible Future | 12:15pm – 1:00pm | Panel Discussion 2 | To be confirmed |
| 6 | Advocating for Change: Leveraging Public Relations for Responsible Leadership and Economic Development | 1:05pm – 2:00pm | Panel Discussion 3 | To be confirmed |
| Lunch (2:00pm – 3:00pm) | ||||
| 7 | Cultural Diversity and Communication: Responsible Practices in a Globalised World | 3:05pm – 3:45pm | Panel Discussion 4 | To be confirmed |
| 8 | Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Public Relations Practice | 3:50pm – 4:30pm | Panel Discussion 5 | To be confirmed |
| 9 | Ethical Use of AI and Robotics in Public Relations | 4:35pm – 5:10pm | Panel Discussion 6 | To be confirmed |
| 10 | Conclusions & Closing | 5:15pm – 5:30pm | Closing Session | To be confirmed |
| 11 | Opening of Global Alliance WPRF Entertainment Village | 7:30pm | All Delegates & Guests | — |
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TUESDAY, 17TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY OF WPRF Theme: Responsible Communication: Voice of the World Time: 9:00am (Delegates / Guests to be seated by 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Activity | Time | Role | Proposed Speakers |
| 1 | Opening and Reviews | 9:00am – 9:10am | Opening and Reviews | |
| 2 | Professional Presidential Session: Ethical Leadership in Public Relations, Shaping Trust in a Divided World: Views Across the Continents | 9:15am – 10:30am | Panel Discussion 1 |
Panel of Regional Councils Chairs of Global Alliance and Presidents of National PR Associations: i. Chair, European Council – Silvia Arto ii. Chair, Asia-Pacific Council and President of Malaysia Public Relations – Jaffri Amin Osman iii. Chair, Africa Council and President of Zambia Public Relations and Communication – Irene Lungi Chipili iv. Chair, Middle East and South Asia Council – Amith Prabhu v. Chair, North America Council – Bonnie Caver vi. Chair, Latin American Council – Hamilton dos Santos vii. Chairman, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, UK (TBC) viii. President, Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa 1 Moderator |
| 3 |
Special Session 1: Balancing Interests with Responsibility: ESGs and Stakeholders Engagement (Experience Sharing) |
10:35am – 11:40am | Panel Discussion 2 |
A Speaker and Panel of 3 Discussants 1 Moderator |
| 4 |
Special Session 2: Responsible Communication in Banking and Entrepreneurship |
11:45am – 1:00pm | Panel Discussion 3 |
A Speaker and Panel of 3 Discussants 1 Moderator |
| 5 | LUNCH | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | LUNCH | LUNCH |
| 6 |
Special Session 3: Driving Development and Inclusion Through Responsible Communication: Case Studies of Nigeria Sub Nationals |
2:15pm – 3:45pm | Panel Discussion 4 |
Panel of 6 State Executive Governors 1 Moderator |
| 7 | FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY | 4:00pm – 6:30pm | OPENING CEREMONY | FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY EVENT |
| 7.1 | Openings | Welcome & Remarks | To be confirmed | |
| 7.2a | Presidential Statements | Address | Address by the Chairman (To be confirmed) | |
| 7.2b | Keynote | Keynote Address | Keynote Speech (To be confirmed) | |
| 7.2c | Formal Opening of WPRF 2026 | Formal Opening |
Address and Formal Opening of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum by the
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR Vote of Thanks by Chairman, National Planning Committee, WPRF 2026 Photo Opportunities |
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| 8 | Conclusions & Closing | Conclusions & Closing | ||
| 9 | Dinner / Evening Event at WPRF Entertainment Village | 7:30pm | EVENING EVENTS | |
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WEDNESDAY, 18TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF AFRICA By African Public Relations Association (APRA) Theme: Promoting Trade, Cooperation and Economic Renewal in Africa Through Responsible Communication Time: 9:00am (Delegates/Guests seated by 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Time | Activity | Role | Proposed Speakers |
| 1 | 9:05am – 9:45am | Welcome | Welcome Remarks | To be confirmed |
| 2 | 9:45am – 10:00am | Opening Remarks | Chairman’s Address | To be confirmed |
| 3 | 10:00am – 10:30am |
Keynote Speech: Promoting Trade, Cooperation and Economic Renewal in Africa Through Responsible Communication |
Keynote Speaker | To be confirmed |
| 4 | 10:30am – 11:00am | Formal Opening | Special Guest of Honour | To be confirmed |
| 5 | 11:30am – 4:00pm | CONCURRENT SESSIONS | — | — |
| 5.1 | 11:30am – 4:00pm |
African Ministers of Information & Communication Roundtable Theme: Responsible Communication – A Pathway to African Peace, Security & Development |
Ministerial Roundtable | • African Ministers of Information & Communication |
| 5.2a | 11:30am – 12:25pm | APRA Panel Discussion 1 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| 5.2b | 12:30pm – 1:25pm | APRA Panel Discussion 2 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| — | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | LUNCH | — | — |
| 5.2c | 3:15pm – 4:00pm | APRA Panel Discussion 3 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| 6 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Closing Plenary – African Ministers Roundtable | Presentation of Resolutions | • African Ministers of Information & Communication |
| 7 | 5:00pm – 5:20pm | Conclusions & Closing | Vote of Thanks | To be confirmed |
| 8 | 7:30pm | Africa Dinner & APRA Awards | Dinner & Awards Ceremony |
• Nigerian Minister of Information & National Orientation • Special Guest of Honour (TBC) |
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WEDNESDAY, 18TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF AFRICA By African Public Relations Association (APRA) Theme: Promoting Trade, Cooperation and Economic Renewal in Africa Through Responsible Communication Time: 9:00am (Delegates/Guests seated by 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Time | Activity | Role | Proposed Speakers |
| 1 | 9:05am – 9:45am | Welcome | Welcome Remarks | To be confirmed |
| 2 | 9:45am – 10:00am | Opening Remarks | Chairman’s Address | To be confirmed |
| 3 | 10:00am – 10:30am |
Keynote Speech: Promoting Trade, Cooperation and Economic Renewal in Africa Through Responsible Communication |
Keynote Speaker | To be confirmed |
| 4 | 10:30am – 11:00am | Formal Opening | Special Guest of Honour | To be confirmed |
| 5 | 11:30am – 4:00pm | CONCURRENT SESSIONS | — | — |
| 5.1 | 11:30am – 4:00pm |
African Ministers of Information & Communication Roundtable Theme: Responsible Communication – A Pathway to African Peace, Security & Development |
Ministerial Roundtable | • African Ministers of Information & Communication |
| 5.2a | 11:30am – 12:25pm | APRA Panel Discussion 1 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| 5.2b | 12:30pm – 1:25pm | APRA Panel Discussion 2 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| — | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | LUNCH | — | — |
| 5.2c | 3:15pm – 4:00pm | APRA Panel Discussion 3 | Moderator | 1 Moderator |
| 6 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Closing Plenary – African Ministers Roundtable | Presentation of Resolutions | • African Ministers of Information & Communication |
| 7 | 5:00pm – 5:20pm | Conclusions & Closing | Vote of Thanks | To be confirmed |
| 8 | 7:30pm | Africa Dinner & APRA Awards | Dinner & Awards Ceremony |
• Nigerian Minister of Information & National Orientation • Special Guest of Honour (TBC) |
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THURSDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – GLOBAL ENGAGEMENTS Theme: Building Global Peace, Understanding, and Security Through Responsible Communication Time: 9:00am (Delegates / Guests to be seated at 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Time | Activity | Role | Proposed Speakers |
| 1 | 10:00am – 10:30am | Welcome | Welcome Remarks | To be confirmed |
| 2 | 10:35am – 10:50am | Opening | Chairman’s Opening | To be confirmed |
| 3 | 11:00am – 11:40am | Keynote Addresses | Keynote Speakers | To be confirmed |
| 4 | 11:45am | Formal Opening Address | Formal Opening by the Special Guest of Honour | To be confirmed |
| 5 | 12:30pm – 2:00pm | Special Presentations by Regional Organisations | Special Presentations |
• Leaders of Global Regional Organisations (TBC): i. European Union ii. African Union iii. ASEAN iv. League of Arab States v. Organisation of American States vi. Union of South American Nations vii. Association of Caribbean States viii. African Development Bank |
| — | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | LUNCH | — | — |
| 6 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | SPECIAL CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS / MASTERCLASSES | Special Programme | — |
| 6.1 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Tony Falconi Workshop | Workshop | • Mr. Tony Falconi |
| 6.2 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World through Responsible Communication | Masterclass | To be confirmed |
| 6.3 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Responsible Communication in Managing Insecurity, Terrorism and Conflicts | Presentation + Panel Discussion |
To be confirmed 1 Moderator |
| 6.4 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Managing Interfaith Divergences for Harmonious Society | Panel Discussion |
• Panel of 4 Discussants (TBC) 1 Moderator |
| 6.5 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Crisis Communication in Extreme Circumstances: Aviation PR Lessons | Presentation + Panel Discussion |
1 Presentation, 4 Discussants (TBC) 1 Moderator |
| 6.6 | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Promoting Responsible Communication in a Multipolar World | Panel Discussion |
To be confirmed 1 Moderator |
| 7 | 5:20pm – 5:30pm | Conclusions & Closing | Closing Session | To be confirmed |
| 8 | 7:30pm | Global Alliance 25th Anniversary Dinner & Awards | Dinner & Awards | • Global Alliance |
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FRIDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER, 2026 – GLOBAL YOUNG PUBLIC RELATIONS SUMMIT Theme: Future-Proofing Responsible Communication Time: 9:00am (Delegates / Guests to be seated by 8:45am) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | Time | Activity | Role | Proposed Resource Persons |
| 1 | 9:30am – 10:00am | Opening Speakers | Welcome Remarks | • To be confirmed |
| 2 | 10:05am – 10:20am | Opening Remarks by Chairman of the Summit | Chairman’s Opening Remarks | • To be confirmed |
| 3 | 10:25am – 11:15am | Keynote Speech | Keynote Speakers | • To be confirmed |
| 4 | 11:20am – 11:40am | Formal Opening | Formal Opening of the WPRF Global Young Public Relations Summit by the Special Guest of Honour | • To be confirmed |
| — | 12:00 noon | CONCURRENT EVENT: Departure to Gudi | Concurrent Event |
Inauguration of University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL). Leaders of Delegations and Special Guests depart for the event. |
| 5 | 12:00 noon – 1:45pm | Fireside Conversation: Innovating with Integrity – Using Technology for Responsible Communication in Public Relations | Conversation with global experts |
• Engagement with 5 mentors (TBC) • 1 Moderator |
| — | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | LUNCH | — | — |
| 6 | 3:05pm – 4:00pm | The Future of Public Relations Careers: Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Communication Landscape | Panel Discussion 1 |
• Panel of 4 discussants (selected globally) • 1 Moderator |
| 7 | 4:05pm – 5:00pm | Empowering Marginalised Voices: Exploring Youth-led Communication Initiatives | Panel Discussion 2 |
• Panel of 5 discussants (selected globally) • 1 Moderator |
| 8 | 5:05pm – 6:00pm | Public Relations in Community Development: Youth as Catalysts for Change | Experience Sharing |
• 5 selected youths (project case studies) • 1 Moderator |
| 9 | 6:05pm – 6:15pm | Conclusions & Closing | Closing Session | • To be confirmed |
| 10 | Evening | Farewell Dinner with WPRF Music Festival and Cultural Show | Farewell Dinner | FAREWELL DINNER, WITH WPRF MUSIC FESTIVAL AND CULTURAL SHOW |
Empowering young innovators to build solutions at the intersection of Public Relations, Technology, and Social Impact.
The WPRF 2026 Youth Hackathon brings together students, developers, creatives, and young professionals to collaborate, ideate, and build innovative solutions that redefine communication, storytelling, governance, and sustainable development in Africa.
Awards for Youth Competitions
To encourage excellence, innovation, and impactful problem-solving among participating youths, the following prize structure is proposed for each competition category:
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