Message from the IPRA President: Excellence in PR and human wellbeing July 2026
1 hour, 28 minutes ago
On 3 July 2026 IPRA assembled some of its senior members to constitute the panel of judges to review entries for its annual Golden World Awards for Excellence in PR (GWA). The judges worked in person in London and on-line from different parts of the world.
Once again, entries for the GWA from members across the globe revealed excellence in public relations practice and the judges had the unenviable task of selecting only a few as winners. May I extend my deep appreciation to all those who put in entries for the GWA this year as well as to the panel of judges who worked so hard in reviewing all the entries.
It is exciting to see, from the entries that were received, how our entrants are applying themselves with innovation and creativity to the various situations that affect humanity that they are called upon to work on for clients. Even more striking is recognising how a variety of human situations are being impacted positively by this work. It is a matter of pride to IPRA that public relations professionals are making such a difference for good in their various contexts, contributing to human wellbeing. Winning entries included impactful storytelling, as well as on-point issues such as AI and the consequences of conflict.
Among the awards that IPRA presents at the Gala is the Global Contribution Award. This is for the entry that best reflects how public relations contributes to the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, summarised in five Ps – Planet, Peace, Partnerships People and Prosperity – remind us of aspirations that unite human beings the world over. They also remind us of the work of the United Nations as a global body.
The UN, IPRA and sustainable development
IPRA uniquely holds official consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and is associated with the UN Department of Global Communications. IPRA also maintains relations with the UN Environment Programme. These accreditations grant IPRA a range of active engagements within the UN system, including contributing to global discussions on policy.
Of course, all the other awards that are featured in the GWA also highlight important aspects of public relations excellence, with the Grand Prix as the ultimate reflection of the highest standards of professional practice. IPRA has been actively promoting such excellence over the seventy years of its existence.
IPRA, a global connector for the good of humanity
This year, the Golden World Awards Gala is in Athens. The hosting of the awards is taking place under the strategic coordination of V+O GREECE| SEC Newgate, marking an important milestone for the Greek Communications market and further strengthening the country’s presence on the global map of the industry. Tickets are available now on the Gala webpage, where you will also find flights at special rates from AEGEAN the Official Air Carrier of the IPRA GWA 2026, as well as room booking information at special rates for the venue hotel, the prestigious Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, as well as three hotels from Electra Hotels & Resorts, the Hospitality Partner of the IPRA GWA 2026.
I encourage colleagues from around the world to come and join in celebrating excellence in our profession. I particularly urge our colleagues based in Greece to be there in your numbers to receive those of us who will journey to Greece from afar. This promises to be, yet again, a memorable and uplifting celebration. IPRA is more than a professional association. IPRA is a global connector championing excellence in public relations for the good of humanity.
May the occasion of recognizing the best examples of public relations work provide a reaffirmation of the significance of the contributions of public relations professionals the world over in making the world a better place for all mankind.
Kind regards,
Esther Cobbah
IPRA President 2026
Our Gala supporters and sponsors
The IPRA Golden World Awards 2026 Gala in Athens will take place under the auspices of the Hellenic Association of Advertising and Communication Agencies (EDEE). The Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens is the Official Hotel and AEGEAN the Official Air Carrier of the Awards, while Electra Hotels & Resorts supports the event as Hospitality Partner. The IPRA GWA 2026 Gala is also supported by Gold Sponsors AKTOR Group and LAMDA Development.
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