Nigeria to Host Global Conference on Rebuilding Trust Through Communication
Nigeria is set to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, bringing together communication professionals, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and academics from across the world to develop a new framework for responsible communication.
Ahead of the November forum, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, briefed diplomats in Abuja on the event and plans to develop an Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication.
Neliaku said the forum would explore how communication can strengthen public trust, peacebuilding, good governance and development, while urging diplomatic missions to mobilise participation from their countries.
Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, said Africa would also pursue an African Declaration on the Professionalisation of Public Relations, with emphasis on self regulation and media literacy.
Responding on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, pledged support for the successful hosting of the November 2026 forum.
The week long event will feature participants from government, diplomacy, business, academia and the communication industry. President Bola Tinubu is expected to serve as Chief Host, while Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will be the presidential keynote speaker.
