President Bola Tinubu, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Kenyan President William Ruto are expected to attend the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), bringing three African heads of state to Abuja for the international communication conference later this month.
Hichilema is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, while Ruto is expected to attend as special guest of honour. Tinubu will serve as the host president for the event, which will bring together global public relations professionals, policymakers, academics and communication experts.
The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management is organising the forum in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Brandspur Brand News learnt that Global Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Justin Green, announced the expected participation of the leaders during a digital campaign programme in Abuja.
The gathering is also expected to attract representatives of major international institutions, including the United Nations, African Union, World Bank, INTERPOL, World Customs Organisation and European Commission. Green disclosed that 28 high commissioners, state governors and other dignitaries are also expected.
With the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World”, the forum will examine the responsibility of communication professionals in an environment increasingly shaped by misinformation, technological change and declining public trust.
Discussions are expected to focus on ethical communication, professional standards and the role of public relations in helping institutions maintain credibility. The issues are particularly relevant as social media platforms continue to influence how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
The 2026 gathering will also incorporate the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, further expanding its regional significance.
Green also announced that the NIPR had received the award for the world’s best public relations association for the second consecutive year. The institute reportedly defeated competing professional bodies from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America to retain the recognition.
NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, called on communication professionals, particularly young practitioners and social media influencers, to uphold integrity and promote messages that support peaceful coexistence.
He also encouraged students and practitioners across Nigeria to participate in the forum, which is expected to provide opportunities for professional engagement and discussions on the future of strategic communication.
The conference places Abuja at the centre of an international conversation about how governments, businesses and institutions communicate with the public, build confidence and respond to the growing challenges of misinformation.
