The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), an event scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 22. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced that delegates from more than 126 countries, along with representatives from major international institutions, are expected to attend the gathering.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister Idris stated that President Bola Tinubu will serve as the chief host for the forum. The event will coincide with the 37th Conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), marking a significant milestone as Nigeria becomes the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.
"We want to speak with one voice as a continent," said Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, Secretary-General of the APRA, describing the hosting of the forum as a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective influence in global communication discourse.
The forum, themed "Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World," aims to address the challenges posed by the transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Minister Idris highlighted growing concerns over misinformation and declining public trust, urging practitioners to prioritize truth, transparency, and ethical standards over mere reputation management. He emphasized that government communication must be a two-way process that involves listening to citizens and addressing their legitimate concerns.
As part of broader efforts to enhance media literacy, the ministry disclosed its support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category Two International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja. This initiative is designed to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills necessary to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
Prof Justin Green, President and CEO of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, confirmed that representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, African Union, and European Commission are expected to participate. He commended President Tinubu and Minister Idris for their pivotal roles in securing the event for Nigeria. The ministry is currently coordinating with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to manage protocol, security, logistics, and hospitality for the upcoming forum.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
