President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to host about 3,000 delegates from more than 126 countries at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21.
The organisers made the call for increased international participation on Monday during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
They urged foreign missions to mobilise governments, communication professionals, young practitioners, students and other stakeholders from their respective countries to attend the global forum.
The 2026 WPRF, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is expected to bring together policymakers, communication experts, business leaders, academics, technology professionals, security experts, civil society actors and other global stakeholders.
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 gathering by creating opportunities for communication practitioners to engage directly with institutions and organisations that rely on their expertise.
According to him, the engagement would help stakeholders identify emerging challenges and shape the future direction of the global communication profession.
The programme will feature high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions. It will also host the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, the African Ministers of Information Roundtable and the Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
President Tinubu is the Chief Host, while Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Representatives of international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and INTERPOL, are also expected to participate.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, described the forum’s theme as timely, particularly amid the growing spread of misinformation and fake news.
He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for communication leaders, academics and policymakers to examine how responsible communication can promote social cohesion, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development.
The organisers said arrangements had been made to facilitate the participation of international delegates, including visa processing, accommodation, security and medical services.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, alongside the Nigeria Immigration Service, are providing dedicated visa and consular support for participants.
The main event will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while 19 accredited hotels have been selected to provide accommodation across different budget categories.
Organisers are also calling on diplomatic missions to mobilise government spokespersons, communication professionals and global leaders, while encouraging countries to participate as delegates, partners, sponsors and exhibitors.
With participants expected from more than 126 countries, Nigeria is positioning the Abuja forum as a major global platform for discussions on responsible communication and its role in promoting peace, development and international understanding.