The World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 continues to strengthen its international programme with the confirmation of six additional globally recognised leaders who will join the Forum as guest speakers.
The Forum, organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, will take place from 15–21 November 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria. The event will be hosted by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, will deliver the Presidential Keynote Address.
The newly confirmed speakers are:
- Mariya Gabriel, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, France, and former Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria;
- Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council, Netherlands;
- Rochelle Ford, CEO, Page Society, New York, USA;
- Helio Fred Garcia, President, Logos Consulting Group, New York, USA;
- Douglas Downs, Founder and President, Stories & Strategies Inc., Calgary, Canada; and
- Edith Jibunoh, Director of External Relations, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, USA.
Announcing the latest speaker confirmations, Prof. Justin Green, President and CEO of the Global Alliance, said the calibre of the speakers reflects the growing international support for the Forum and underscores its significance as the world’s leading gathering for public relations and strategic communication professionals.
“With its outstanding programme, distinguished speakers and growing global participation, WPRF 2026 in Abuja will help redefine the future of strategic communication, set new benchmarks for reputation management, and become the biggest, boldest and most influential World Public Relations Forum in history. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as Host Institute, together with the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and communication professionals across Africa, is committed to delivering an exceptional global event.”
The newly announced speakers join an already distinguished line-up that includes Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications; Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, President of the ASEAN Public Relations Network; and Samuel Heath, Director of Communications at INTERPOL, all of whom have previously confirmed their participation.
Organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the World Public Relations Forum is the profession’s premier global event, bringing together leaders from government, business, academia and the communication industry. Representing 126 countries, the Global Alliance provides an unparalleled platform for advancing the future of public relations and strategic communication worldwide.
For more information and to register for WPRF 2026, please visit: https://www.wprf2026.niprng.org.ng/