The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management has confirmed six additional internationally acclaimed speakers for the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), as preparations intensify for what is expected to be one of the largest global gatherings of communication professionals.
The forum is scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 15 to 21 November 2026. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will serve as the Chief Host, while the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, will deliver the Presidential Keynote Address.
The newly confirmed speakers are 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 Organisation Council, Netherlands; Rochelle Ford, Chief Executive Officer of the Page Society, New York, USA; Helio Fred Garcia, President of Logos Consulting Group, New York, USA; Douglas Downs, Founder and President of Stories & Strategies Inc., Calgary, Canada; and Edit Jibuno, Director of External Affairs at the World Bank Group, Washington, D.C., USA.
Announcing the latest confirmations in Portugal, President of the Global Alliance, Professor Justin Green, described the calibre of speakers as further evidence of the growing international support for the forum, which will be hosted in West Africa for the first time.
According to him, the quality of the programme, distinguished speakers and increasing global interest will make the 2026 WPRF a landmark event.
“With its rich content, world-class speakers and growing global acceptance, the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja will redefine the global communication landscape, set new standards in reputation management, and become the biggest, brightest and boldest forum in the event’s history,” he said.
Professor Green added that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as the host institute, is working closely with member bodies of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) to ensure the successful hosting of delegates from across the world.
The organisers had earlier announced the participation of several distinguished speakers, including Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications; Dr Prita Kemal Gani, President of the ASEAN Public Relations Network; and Samuel Heath, Director of Communications at INTERPOL, Lyon, France, all of whom have confirmed their attendance.
The World Public Relations Forum is the flagship event of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, whose membership spans 126 countries. The biennial forum is recognised as the world’s premier gathering of public relations and communication professionals.
