Significant growth in Europe among the winners of the 2026 Golden World Awards
3 hours, 33 minutes ago
The 2026 competition proved a great success for entrants from Europe which rose to over half the global awards. Driving this is clearly the choice of location for the Gala, being Athens Greece.
The annual awards ceremony, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Association of Advertising and Communication Agencies (EDEE), will take place on September 25, 2026, at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, bringing top executives and communications professionals from around the world to the Greek capital.
The hosting of the awards in Athens is taking place on the initiative and 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 and all information is available here.
This year’s edition coincides with increased interest in the international institution from the Greek market. Greek submissions to the 2026 awards recorded an increase of over 90% compared to 2025, while total submissions increased by 5%, confirming the momentum and international reach of the IPRA Golden World Awards. PR campaigns on storytelling in Ghana and LAMDA Development’s photography exhibition titled “Landmarks of Connection” in Greece are among the winners of the 2026 IPRA Golden World Awards.
The IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA): the world’s most prestigious PR awards scheme, announced 96 winners for 2026. A number of entries tackled on-point issues such Ai and the consequences of conflict.
The GWA jury of experts met in person at the splendid Ghana High Commission in Belgravia, London. At an inspiring session, the entries were seen by teams of senior PR practitioners. The jury comprised judges from all over the world including Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Estonia, Germany, Serbia, Ghana, Turkey, UK and the USA.
“This year we had such exceptionally strong entries we made a number of joint awards,” explains Philip Sheppard, IPRA’s Secretary General. "We were particularly impressed by the quality of entries in the new “Courage in Communications” category.”
The prestigious Grand Prix was also chosen but the judges have been sworn to secrecy. Along with the Global Contribution Award for PR with an objective of meeting one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Grand Prix will be announced at the GWA Gala on 25 September in Athens, Greece.
Additional information for winners and press
The regional breakdown in 2026.
Our 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.
Background to IPRA
IPRA, the International Public Relations Association, was established in 1955, and is the leading global network for PR professionals in their personal capacity. IPRA aims to advance trusted communication and the ethical practice of public relations. We do this through networking, our code of conduct and intellectual leadership of the profession. IPRA is the organiser of public relations' annual global competition, the Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA). IPRA's services enable PR professionals to collaborate and be recognised. Members create content via our Thought Leadership essays, social media and our consultative status with the United Nations. GWA winners demonstrate PR excellence. IPRA welcomes all those who share our aims and who wish to be part of the IPRA worldwide fellowship. For more see www.ipra.org
Background to the Golden World Awards for Excellence.
The annual IPRA Golden World Awards (GWA) initiative, established in 1990, recognizes excellence in public relations practice worldwide in a variety of categories. Recipients of the award take particular pride in the recognition granted to their entry as meeting international standards of excellence in public relations. An overall IPRA Grand Prix for Excellence is presented each year to the entry judged as representing the highest standards that year. While there are many national and regional PR awards, there is only one truly global scheme: the GWA.
Contact
International Public Relations Association Secretariat
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 1634 818308
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