World PR Day: Newmark, PRGN Move To Tackle Polarisation, Misinformation

The Newmark Group, in partnership with the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), will be leading a global conversation on the role of communication in bridging divides, counter rising global polarisation and the spread of misinformation.

Themed “Building Bridges & Navigating Polarisation,” the event scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 16, will bring together top communication leaders from Nigeria, across Africa, and around the globe to discuss how public relations can respond to the deepening divides in society. At the heart of the dialogue is a call to reposition PR not just as a tool for reputation management but as a powerful force for rebuilding trust, truth, and unity in an increasingly fragmented world.

Commenting on the theme, the CEO of The Newmark Group, Gilbert Manirakiza,  said, said the time has come to reposition PR as more than brand amplification.

“We are living in an era where perception shapes policy, and influence moves faster than truth. If we’re going to restore trust, we must stop treating PR as noise amplification and start seeing it as a tool for psychological alignment and cultural healing. Public relations must now serve as a bridge between sectors, between generations, and between truth and trust. This is the essence of neuroinfluence. It’s not about manipulating minds, but meaningfully building authentic connections with them,” Manirakiza said.

Societal polarisation, now ranked among the top ten global risks by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024, threatens democratic systems, public trust, and institutional cooperation. Similarly, UNESCO has warned that systemic misinformation and disinformation are undermining global peace and development. Against this backdrop, public relations is being redefined as a bridge between opposing narratives, generations, sectors, and ideologies.

A major highlight of the event will be the official African launch of the 2025 PRGN Influence Insights Report. The global study examines shifting public perceptions of trust, influence, and reputation across media, government, and corporate institutions. The report will be presented by Natacha Clarac, Managing Director of Athenora Consulting and PRGN’s representative for the event.

The gathering will also feature a panel of global business executives and communications experts discussing how professionals are navigating cultural, political, and ideological rifts using ethical storytelling, strategic messaging, and cross-sectoral influence.

This year’s World PR Day celebration is especially significant for The Newmark Group as it marks the firm’s 15th anniversary, a milestone in its journey as a Pan-African communications leader. From its roots in Nairobi, Newmark has grown to operate in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Burundi, and beyond, helping shape Africa’s communications landscape with bold ideas and insight-driven storytelling.

Newmark’s senior account manager and country lead for Nigeria, Lovelyn Okafor, said hosting the global celebration in Lagos reinforces Nigeria’s position as a storytelling powerhouse on the continent.

“Nigeria is a powerful storytelling hub. Hosting World PR Day here highlights the importance of African perspectives in shaping global communication standards. In a time where reputations can rise or fall within seconds, we must ensure that our communication is not just fast, but fair, human, and rooted in truth,” Okafor said.

The event’s hybrid format will allow participation from professionals across Africa and beyond, enabling broader engagement with the pressing global challenge of rebuilding trust amid digital fragmentation and ideological clashes.