World Public Relations Day: History, Celebration and Impact
to try: Mahdi Bagherian, APR, KPRI. IAPRSA
CEO, Kargozar Public Relations Institute
July 16, 2025 || World Public Relations Day (WPRD) is an annual observance held on 16 July (25 Tir in the Iranian calendar) to honour the profession of public relations and communication.
The day was established in 2021 at the initiative of PR practitioners who realised that, despite the growing importance of public relations, the global calendar lacked a date dedicated to recognising the field. This gap prompted Ayeni Adekunle, CEO of a Nigerian PR agency, to work with international colleagues to found World Public Relations Day.
The choice of 16 July is symbolic: it coincides with the birthday of Ivy Lee, born on 16 July 1877, one of the pioneers of modern public relations. Marking his birthday underlines the profession’s heritage.
Origin and Establishment
The idea of designating a global PR day emerged in the late 2010s, and in August 2020 it was announced that 16 July 2021 would host the first WPRD. The founders described the day as an opportunity “to unite public-relations professionals worldwide under a single global agenda for better understanding and more effective use of PR.”
The inaugural celebration on 16 July 2021 drew wide participation: more than 3,500 practitioners from fifteen countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia took part in events, workshops and special messages organised by PR institutions and associations, laying the cornerstone of a new annual tradition.
From the outset, the day carried the core slogan “Truth, Honesty and Reputation Management,” highlighting the mission of WPRD: to stress honesty in communication, convey truth to audiences and manage reputation responsibly in the public interest. The manifesto described PR as the “unsung hero” of modern society, deserving of special recognition:
“Every hero deserves to be known and appreciated… PR people may not wear capes, but they tell the stories, shape public opinion and act as the backbone of the information society.”
Following the successful debut in 2021, the movement gathered momentum. The second, third and fourth editions in 2022, 2023 and 2024 attracted even broader participation, signalling that WPRD is becoming institutionalised in the global professional calendar.
Objectives and Annual Themes
World Public Relations Day aims to deepen understanding of—and appreciation for—the PR profession. Each year organisers announce a central theme to guide discussions and programmes, focusing attention on a specific aspect of public relations.
2021 (inaugural year): Emphasis on truth, honesty and reputation; official launch by Nigeria’s BHM with 3,500 participants from fifteen countries.
2022 (second edition): “Trust, Truth & Transparency,” with participation rising to 10,000 professionals from sixty countries.
2023 (third edition): “Harnessing the Power of PR,” featuring around twenty in-person and twenty-five virtual events in more than sixty countries, spotlighting PR’s role in sustainable development and social responsibility.
2024 (fourth edition): “The Future of PR in a Changing World,” centring on emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence and misinformation; more than 18,000 specialists from sixty-five countries across six continents joined.
2025 (fifth edition): “Building Bridges & Navigating Polarisation,” addressing the profession’s role in fostering dialogue in increasingly divided societies.
The annual themes mirror the profession’s evolving concerns—from transparency and trust-building to technological adaptation and social cohesion—yet the overarching message remains constant: promote responsible communication, uphold ethics and enhance public understanding of PR’s value. As the WPRD mission statement affirms, “Our task as PR professionals is to help people, companies and governments communicate more honestly and responsibly, and to use public relations consciously for building, innovating and advancing society.”
Observances in Different Countries and Cultures
One striking aspect of World Public Relations Day (WPRD) is how quickly it has spread around the globe. In just a few years, the initiative has grown from a fledgling idea into a worldwide movement celebrated with real enthusiasm across every continent.
Africa – From the outset, Africa has been at the forefront of WPRD. In Nigeria—the birthplace of the initiative—PR associations and agencies organise special programmes each year. Other countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa also stage numerous in-person and online events. In Ghana, for instance, Global Media Alliance has hosted annual conferences since 2021, bringing together PR executives and practitioners. At the 2022 edition, Ghana’s deputy information minister and the president of the Institute of Public Relations-Ghana discussed the new skills PR professionals need—evidence that WPRD has become a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing across Africa.
Europe – Leading professional bodies have embraced the day. In the United Kingdom, both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) publish messages and run specialist sessions, urging members to join the global conversation. Elsewhere in Europe, PR practitioners mark the day informally—often on social media. In Ukraine, Romania and the Nordic countries, professionals use local-language hashtags such as #ДеньPR (“PR Day” in Ukrainian) to join the stream.
Asia – Asia hosts a variety of WPRD activities. India—home to one of the largest PR communities—has aligned its national agenda with the global wave. Alongside India’s own National PR Day on 21 April, bodies such as the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) and the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) now celebrate 16 July as well. In 2022, PRCI ran virtual conferences and panels on the theme “Trust, Truth & Transparency,” drawing experts from India and abroad. Multinational PR firms and local associations in China and the Middle East also issue multilingual articles and posts.
In Iran, 17 May (27 Ordibehesht)—officially National Communications and PR Day—has long been observed. More recently, the Iranian PR community has also embraced 16 July. Each year the “World PR Day Summit” in Tehran, organised by the Institute for Public Relations Officers (KPRI) with the Iranian Association of Public Relations Specialists (IAPRSA), mirrors the global calendar. Some groups have even launched a “PR Week,” turning the occasion into an opportunity for interaction, training and professional advocacy. Thus, Iranian practitioners now leverage both dates—one with formal state backing, the other with a global outlook—to underscore the importance of communications.
Americas & Oceania – In the United States and Canada, WPRD is not formally run by bodies such as the PRSA, yet many academics and practitioners share messages on social media. In Australia and across Oceania, PR specialists likewise celebrate online and debate the role of PR in their region.
Local names vary: Persian speakers refer to Ruz-e Jahani-ye Ravabet-e Omumi, Arabic speakers to al-Yawm al-‘Alami lil-‘Alaqat al-‘Amma, Spanish speakers to Día Mundial de las Relaciones Públicas, and so on. Yet the spirit everywhere is the same: honouring PR as the bridge between organisations and the public. Spanish-language media, for example, now regularly highlight 16 July as World PR Day, stressing the profession’s role in fostering intercultural understanding.
Overall, WPRD’s geographic spread shows that the initiative has transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, bringing practitioners together under a single banner. From Africa to Asia and Europe to the Americas, PR professionals—despite diverse languages and traditions—speak with one voice on this day: our work in building trust and dialogue between organisations and society is essential and deserves recognition.
The Role of Global and Professional Organizations
Since the inception of World Public Relations Day (WPRD), leading international PR bodies have played a significant role in supporting and advancing the initiative. Their contributions have come in the form of formal endorsements as well as active participation in WPRD programs and campaigns. Below are some of the key organizations and their involvement:
International Public Relations Association (IPRA): As one of the oldest and most respected global PR institutions, IPRA welcomed the establishment of WPRD, calling it a positive step toward elevating professional standards. Some sources even suggest that IPRA was instrumental in founding the day itself. Regardless of its formal involvement, IPRA has used its vast network of members across dozens of countries to promote the ethical and professional values aligned with WPRD. The association has especially emphasized the ethical dimensions highlighted in the 2022 and 2023 themes—“Truth” and “Transparency”—and has encouraged its members through newsletters and bulletins to uphold these principles.
Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA): As the world’s largest professional PR body, based in London, the PRCA has been a key driver in expanding the reach of WPRD. Since 2021, the PRCA has issued public statements of support and organized dedicated events to mark the day. Notably, during the second edition in 2022, it hosted a high-profile discussion on Twitter Spaces with then–Director General Francis Ingham and a panel of global PR leaders, centered on the theme “Trust, Truth & Transparency.” The conversation explored strategies for building public trust through ethical PR practices.
In a message for the occasion, Ingham said: “We are proud to take part in this year’s World PR Day… Our profession plays an increasingly vital role in shaping organizations and society. It’s right that we pause, reflect on that responsibility, and celebrate what we’ve achieved.”
PRCA’s active role has helped unify its members across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas around WPRD. Furthermore, the PRCA Global Ethics Council published its 2021 annual report on the same day to underscore the importance of ethical conduct in PR.
Other Supporting Bodies: In addition to IPRA and PRCA, several other international and regional bodies have endorsed WPRD. The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), and the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) all expressed support ahead of the second edition in 2022. ICCO stated that “millions of PR professionals across the globe are preparing to celebrate the second anniversary of World PR Day on July 16.”
Regional associations in Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa—including PR associations in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Iran’s Institute for Public Relations Officers (KPRI)—have aligned their programming with WPRD, organizing national events to coincide with the global observance. This collective engagement has added legitimacy and momentum to the movement, transforming WPRD from a grassroots campaign into a globally recognized professional event.
The support of credible organizations has been one of the main drivers of WPRD’s growth and sustainability. By leveraging their member networks and allocating educational and promotional resources, these institutions have amplified the day’s impact. Their efforts have helped increase public awareness of the value of public relations and solidified WPRD’s place on the unofficial global PR calendar.
Impact on Professional Development and PR Education
Beyond its symbolic value, the establishment of World Public Relations Day (WPRD) has had tangible effects on the growth of the PR profession—particularly in areas such as public perception, education, skills development, and global networking. Its key impacts can be summarized as follows:
1. Enhancing the Image and Status of the PR Profession
For many years, public relations was widely misunderstood and often undervalued, frequently seen as a secondary function to marketing or mere publicity. WPRD was launched as a conscious effort to shift this narrative.
The annual observance has led to greater media and executive attention to PR’s contributions, helping shape a more positive public discourse around the profession. During the 2021 celebrations, for example, many misconceptions about PR were publicly challenged. According to Ayeni Adekunle, the founder of WPRD:
“This global celebration helped correct false perceptions, elevate the credibility of the profession, and advance its growth.”
Furthermore, PR industry research has used WPRD as an anchor point to explore public attitudes. A PRWeek UK survey revealed that a significant portion of the public still associates PR with “spinning or hiding the truth.” By bringing such concerns to light during WPRD, the initiative has pushed industry leaders to commit more strongly to transparency and honesty. In short, WPRD has sparked a critical and constructive public conversation that’s gradually helping reshape PR’s image as a credible, strategic discipline.
2. Promoting Education and Skill Development
One of WPRD’s practical goals has been to help nurture the next generation of PR professionals. Numerous educational programs and internship opportunities have been launched in connection with the day. For instance, in 2021, Nigeria-based firm Media Panache offered three-month internships to young aspiring PR professionals as part of its WPRD campaign.
The official WPRD website also features a dedicated portal for online and offline PR training courses, compiling certified programs from global institutions—including international universities and national associations like CIPR and PRSA. These resources are freely accessible, making WPRD a gateway to self-education and professional advancement.
Additionally, many countries have hosted free workshops and webinars to mark the day—for example, digital marketing sessions in South Africa, crisis communication training in India, and the annual WPRD Summit in Iran. These initiatives give the event a strong educational dimension, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.
3. Generating New Knowledge and Industry Resources
Each WPRD cycle also brings fresh intellectual contributions to the global PR community. In 2022, for example, the crowdsourced resource PR Bible was launched, compiling top-recommended books, articles, podcasts, and tools selected by PR professionals worldwide.
The WPRD website has also published the PR Pledge, inviting professionals to commit publicly to ethics and integrity in their practice. These tools have helped strengthen a global dialogue around PR standards and values. In line with this, several research bodies have timed their reports to coincide with WPRD. For example, the Africa PR Report 2022–2023, presented during WPRD 2024, highlighted key industry challenges such as talent shortages and overwork—prompting industry leaders to think more seriously about reform.
4. Building Global Networks and Career Opportunities
WPRD has created a space for international PR professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories. The event’s official hashtags—#WorldPRDay and #MyPRStory—regularly trend on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, generating hundreds of thousands of interactions.
These conversations foster global professional relationships, and some international agencies use them to scout talent. For instance, after professionals began posting resumes and personal stories with #MyPRStory, several reportedly received job offers from international firms (according to informal reports on LinkedIn). In this way, WPRD has become a bridge to cross-border job opportunities and a driver of the global PR talent market.
In conclusion, WPRD has rapidly evolved into more than a symbolic observance—it has become a catalyst for professional growth. By fostering dialogue, education, and global collaboration, the event supports both individual development and the collective advancement of the industry.
As WPRD coordinator Enitan Kehinde aptly put it: “In an increasingly competitive world, this event provides a vital platform to showcase the irreplaceable role of PR professionals in crafting distinct brand narratives that resonate amidst the noise.”
Media Coverage and Digital Engagement
Media Attention
In recent years, World Public Relations Day (WPRD) has attracted considerable attention from both mainstream and specialized communication media. Industry publications such as PRWeek, PRovoke, and Communication World regularly feature articles and opinion pieces leading up to July 16, highlighting the significance and challenges of the PR profession.
For instance, PRovoke—organizers of the annual SABRE Awards—granted a special SABRE EMEA Award in 2023 to the WPRD initiative, describing it as “a movement that placed public relations at the center of global attention.”
In various countries, national newspapers and online platforms have also covered WPRD events in detail. Nigerian and Ghanaian press outlets, for example, have emphasized PR’s role in supporting local business development. In India and the Middle East, news agencies and digital platforms have published interviews with senior PR professionals, sharing insights and experiences from the field. Such widespread media coverage has helped boost public awareness and enhance the perceived value of PR.
In Iran, the national PR news network SHARA.IR publishes articles, commentaries, and interviews for the occasion. The Institute for Public Relations Officers (KPRI) also dedicates a special edition of its Public Relations Officer journal to WPRD each year, available in print and online. Since 2025, the institute has also launched the official World Public Relations Day Award, which is now presented annually.
Social Media and Digital Campaigns
Social media has arguably been the driving force behind the global rise of WPRD. From the very first year (2021), the hashtag #WorldPRDay trended on Twitter within hours, as thousands of users—from senior PR executives to students—shared posts about the importance of PR and their personal experiences in the field.
In subsequent years, new hashtags were launched to broaden engagement. The 2022 campaign introduced #MyPRStory (and in some regions, #MyPRJourney), inviting professionals to share memorable moments from their careers. The campaign generated hundreds of heartfelt stories that humanized the profession and showcased its depth. That same year, a series of short videos titled PR Mythbusters circulated widely, challenging common misconceptions (such as PR being synonymous with advertising).
Live conversations have also become a staple of WPRD. In the days leading up to July 16, interactive sessions are hosted via Twitter Spaces or Clubhouse, featuring prominent global figures in PR. One notable example in 2022 was a panel with the Director General of PRCA, the CEO of CIPR, the Editor-in-Chief of PRWeek, and agency leaders, discussing “how to build trust and transparency in the PR industry.” Hundreds tuned in live, asking questions and joining the discussion. This format continued and expanded in 2023 and 2024, with multiple time-zone sessions to accommodate global participation.
Influencers and Digital Ambassadors
Many high-profile PR and communication experts have organically become ambassadors for WPRD. On LinkedIn, global PR leaders publish reflections and articles for the occasion. Academic figures contribute analytical essays on PR education, and even influencers outside the profession—journalists, business executives, and public figures—post WPRD messages on Twitter to show appreciation for the field. These endorsements help spark a powerful ripple effect, spreading WPRD’s message far beyond industry boundaries.
Digital Impact Metrics
The digital footprint of WPRD continues to grow each year. According to the 2023 report, WPRD-related content reached at least 60 million users across platforms. This impact is attributed to widespread content sharing, hashtag traction, and news features on high-traffic websites—making digital reach a benchmark for the event’s success and energizing its global supporters.
A strong media and digital strategy has been central to the institutionalization of WPRD. The blend of traditional media coverage—through articles, interviews, and awards—and dynamic social media activism—including hashtags, user-driven campaigns, and live events—has ensured that WPRD’s message reaches a broad and diverse audience. Today, July 16 is not only marked in professional calendars but is increasingly recognized by the general public as a day to celebrate the art and science of public relations.
Introduction
In less than half a decade, World Public Relations Day (WPRD) has transformed from a fresh idea into a global, established movement. It has connected scattered circles of PR professionals around the world, forging a unified voice that champions the strategic importance of public relations. Through WPRD, practitioners have found a space to not only celebrate their achievements but also reflect on the challenges ahead and renew their commitment to the future of the profession.
One of WPRD’s greatest strengths lies in its inclusivity. This day does not belong to any single country or culture—it belongs to everyone in the field. Multilingual messages, diverse participation from across nations, and flexible programming tailored to local contexts have enabled every PR enthusiast to feel part of the movement. As the initiative’s unofficial motto declares: “PR has one day, and that day belongs to all of us.”
World Public Relations Day is a powerful reminder that honest, effective communication is the foundation of trust in modern societies. As the vital link between institutions and the public, PR plays a key role in shaping opinion, preventing crises, and strengthening social empathy.
Dedicating a day on the calendar to this role has helped raise awareness—not only among PR professionals but also among top executives and policymakers—of public relations’ strategic value. Each year on July 16, the world hears more clearly that PR is not an auxiliary task, but a necessity for navigating today’s complex communication landscape.
As Ayeni Adekunle, founder of WPRD, stated in an interview with Iran’s PR news network SHARA.IR:
“I see World PR Day becoming a defining moment in the global communications calendar—not just to honor the profession, but to guide ethical standards, spark innovation, and drive international collaboration. With growing global participation, I hope this day inspires PR practitioners to lead with integrity and help turn public relations into a force for positive change.”
Today, that change is becoming reality. WPRD is celebrated worldwide as a moment to honor honesty, promote transparency, and build bridges of trust between people and institutions—a day when the often-invisible heroes of communication step into the spotlight and are recognized for their contributions.
In short, WPRD is a manifestation of global unity in advancing the art and science of public relations—a unity that promises a brighter future for the profession. Every July, the flame of this collective spirit burns stronger, reminding us that with responsible and professional communication, a better world is possible.
Sources and References
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prca-uk.prezly.com
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globalalliancepr.org
thebftonline.com
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