The speaker programme for the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 continues to take shape, with four further leaders confirmed for the landmark gathering in Abuja, Nigeria. The new additions bring expertise spanning professional communication, diplomacy, reputation management and international relations, further strengthening the breadth of perspectives represented at this year’s Forum.
Taking place from 15–21 November 2026 in Abuja, WPRF 2026 is organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
The Forum will be hosted by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, delivering the Presidential Keynote Address.
Newly confirmed speakers
Alastair McCapra
CEO, Chartered Institute of Public Relations
London, United Kingdom
H.E. Philda Nani Kereng
High Commissioner of Botswana
Abuja, Nigeria
H.E. Bambang Suharto
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia
Abuja, Nigeria
Regine le Roux
CEO, Reputation Matters
Cape Town, South Africa
Their participation adds to a wide-ranging programme of leaders and experts from international organisations, government, business, academia and the global communication profession.
Among those already confirmed are Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications; Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, President of the ASEAN Public Relations Network; Samuel Heath, Director of Communications at INTERPOL; Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at UNESCO and former Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council; Rochelle Ford, CEO of Page Society; Helio Fred Garcia, President of Logos Consulting Group; Douglas Downs, Founder and President of Stories & Strategies Inc.; Edith Jibunoh, Director of External Relations at the World Bank Group; Leslie Richer, Director of Information and Communication of the African Union; H.E. Amb. Abhishek Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of India in Nigeria; Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria; David Omwoyo Omwoyo, MBS, President of the World Association of Press Councils and Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya; and Henry Rugamba, Chairman of the Boards of Equity Bank Uganda, Hariss International and British American Tobacco Uganda.
Under the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” WPRF 2026 will bring together public relations and communication professionals, institutional leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics and other stakeholders to explore the role of communication in an era of rapid technological, social and geopolitical change.
Discussions will focus on how responsible communication can help build and sustain trust, protect reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships and support institutions as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
For further information and registration, visit the official WPRF 2026 website:
https://www.wprf2026.niprng.org.ng/