President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will host about 3,000 delegates from more than 126 countries at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, as the Federal Government and organisers seek stronger diplomatic support to mobilise international participation.
The appeal was made on Monday during a briefing for members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. Organisers urged foreign missions “to encourage their governments, communication professionals, young practitioners, students and other stakeholders to participate in the global gathering.”
The WPRF, scheduled for November 15 to 21, will bring together global thought leaders, policymakers and professionals from business, governance, politics, academia, technology, security, culture, civil society and other sectors under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, said the forum was deliberately designed to go beyond a conventional professional conference.
“The forum was deliberately designed to go beyond a conventional professional conference by bringing communication practitioners together with the people, institutions and organisations that use their services,” Neliaku said.
According to him, such engagement “would enable stakeholders to identify emerging challenges and collectively shape the future direction of the global communication profession.”
The forum is expected to feature high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions. It will also host the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, an African Ministers of Information Roundtable and the Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chief Host, while President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is expected to deliver the keynote address. Speakers 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, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, welcomed the engagement with diplomatic missions. He described the forum’s theme as “particularly relevant amid the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news.”
He added that 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 organisers have also made arrangements for international delegates covering visas, accommodation, security and medical services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Nigeria Immigration Service are working on dedicated visa and consular support for WPRF participants.
The main programme will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while 19 accredited hotels have been selected to accommodate delegates across different budget categories.
Organisers are urging diplomatic missions to mobilise government spokespersons, communication experts, practitioners and global leaders from their respective countries, “while also encouraging participation as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors.”
With more than 126 countries expected to participate, Nigeria is positioning the Abuja forum as a major international platform for dialogue on the future of communication and its contribution to peace, development and global understanding.