2024 World PR Day festival climaxes with summit
The World Public Relations Day Festival organised by Global Media Alliance culminated in a grand event that brought together public relations practitioners, students, media representatives, and industry players from various industries.
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Held on the theme, "The Future of PR in a Changing World," the summit offered a platform for insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Sylvester Matthew Tetteh, delivered an address, in which he emphasised the critical role of public relations in today's fast-evolving landscape.
"In a world where information travels at the speed of light, the role of public relations professionals is more vital than ever. We must harness the power of strategic communication to shape narratives, build trust, and drive positive change," he stated.
Shaping African narrative
Adding to this perspective, a former Ambassador of Ghana to China, Edward Boateng, spoke passionately on the importance of shaping the African narrative.
"Africa's story is one of resilience, innovation, and growth. As communicators, we have the responsibility to amplify these stories and present a balanced and authentic view of our continent to the world," Mr Boateng stated.
He further emphasised that "By telling our own stories, we reclaim our identity and showcase the incredible potential that lies within Africa, inspiring future generations and fostering global partnerships."
The summit's highlight was a panel discussion featuring Mr Boateng; the Corporate Communications Manager of the Jospong Group of Companies, Sophia Kudjordji, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), General Services of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ben Anane Nsiah.
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The panel delved into the theme, offering diverse perspectives on the future of public relations.
Tourism, public relations
Mr Nsiah highlighted the intersection of tourism and public relations, saying, "Effective PR is essential in promoting our tourism sector. It helps us tell compelling stories that attract tourists and showcase the unique beauty and culture of Ghana."
He also stressed the role public relations played in amplifying the Beyond the Return initiative and how strategic communication efforts helped to boost Ghana's tourism sector.
Mr Nsiah stated that the collaboration between public relations professionals and tourism stakeholders was instrumental in driving the initiative's success, showcasing the power of well-crafted messaging in achieving national objectives.
For her par, Ms Kudjordji highlighted the role of technology and innovation in PR, noting, "The digital age has transformed how we communicate. PR professionals must adapt to new tools and platforms to reach and engage their audiences effectively. Embracing technology is not an option; it's a necessity."
Adding to the discussion, Mr Boateng reiterated the importance of authenticity in communication. "In an era of misinformation, authenticity and transparency are paramount. Our narratives must be rooted in truth, reflecting the genuine experiences and aspirations of our people."
The World PR Day Festival Summit successfully brought together a vibrant community of PR students and professionals, fostering an environment of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. As the event concluded, attendees left with renewed energy and a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics of public relations in a rapidly changing world.
World PR Day Festival
The World PR Day Festival is an annual event that seeks to bring together practitioners, industry players, media and students to dialogue and share insights and innovative strategies to improve the industry both in Ghana and globally.