…FG, NIPR Seek Diplomatic Support for Global Participation
By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria is set to host more than 3,000 delegates from over 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 at a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, where 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 to hold from November 15 to 21, will bring together global thought leaders, policymakers and professionals from business, governance, politics, academia, technology, security, culture and civil society 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, said the forum was 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 the engagement would enable stakeholders to identify emerging challenges and collectively shape the future direction of the global communication profession.
He said 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, welcomed the engagement with diplomatic missions and described the forum’s theme as timely, particularly in view of the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news.
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.
To facilitate international participation, organisers said arrangements had been made for visas, accommodation, security and medical services for delegates.
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 mobilise government spokespersons, communication experts, practitioners and global leaders from their respective countries, while 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 role in advancing peace, development, good governance and global cooperation.
