Global recognition as SA wins 2024 ESG Communication Award

Source: © 123rf 123rf South Africa was awarded the coveted Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Award in the ESG Category at the 12th World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Nusa Dua, Bali

Themed Purposeful Influence for the Common Good the Forum saw more than 1,400 delegates from 22 countries gather to learn from over 77 global PR specialists - including an impressive South African contingent, who contributed significantly to addressing the critical current issues facing PR professionals globally.

“We’re so humbled, thrilled and incredibly grateful to every single person and organisation who contributes to this beautiful initiative. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!” says Regine le Roux, the founder of Reputation Matters in South Africa, which won the award for its Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative.

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South Africa was represented by:

• Angela Barter, sustainability communication strategist and founder, The PR Agency.
  
• Prof Dalien René Benecke, associate professor at the University of Johannesburg, Prisa representative and Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management board member.
  
• Prof. Corne Meintjes, Associate Professor, Department of Strategic Communication, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
  
• Dr Lucinda Sutton, senior lecturer: corporate communication, North West University, South Africa.

4 key themes shaping the future of PR

The South African professionals contributed significantly to critical discussions, joining global experts in sharing practical strategies for addressing the most critical issues facing PR professionals today, including four key themes shaping the future of public relations.

Driving sustainability through communication

Numerous expert speakers highlighted the importance of aligning communication strategies with environmental and social goals and the opportunity for PR professionals to address urgent global challenges by driving meaningful change with transparent and authentic sustainability messaging.

“Sustainability communication has evolved - it is a gateway to change, with communicators serving as change agents for positive social and environmental transformation,” explains Angela Barter, sustainability communication strategist at The PR Agency, during a panel discussion on the role of PR in global sustainability.

With 25 years of PR experience and a Master’s in Environmental Management, Barter shared practical strategies from her research and the sustainability communication training she provides to agencies and corporations.

“To protect clients from the risks of misleading messaging, inaccurate ‘green claims’ and unintentional greenwashing, PR and communication professionals must communicate responsibly, back up environmental or sustainability claims with verifiable evidence, and be equipped with the right knowledge and training to communicate authentic, measurable sustainability narratives.”



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Responsible, ethical communication in PR

Various speakers emphasised the importance of upholding the values of responsible communication to address misinformation fuelled by AI, social media and ‘greenwashing’ as well as widespread public scepticism.

“Whether we are tackling the challenges of misinformation, bridging cultural divides, or advancing social good, our shared responsibility is clear: influence with purpose, communicate with integrity, and act with responsibility,” comments Boy Kelana, chairman of Perhumas (Indonesian Public Relations Association).

The Global Alliance has advocated for Responsible Communication to be included as the 18th UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Communication is a key component of many existing SDGs, but a dedicated Responsible Communication SDG will promote ethical journalism, digital literacy, and responsible use of communication technologies, effectively leveraging communication to support all SDGs.

Embracing innovation through technology and AI

Discussions also addressed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public relations, highlighting both opportunities and ethical challenges. AI-driven campaigns can enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making, but strong human oversight remains crucial.

The WPRF called for the establishment of global ethical standards, investing in professional training in AI literacy, and promoting transparency to maintain trust and prevent ethical pitfalls.



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A commitment to education and professional development

The need for PR and communication practitioners to remain trained, upskilled and up-to-date with trends, innovations and best practices, was another strong theme.

Education is a key focus for the Global Alliance, which sets professional standards, and supports members with free education, training and development programmes, as well as continuous, advanced research, like the PR & Communication Trends and Insights World Report 2024 unveiled at the WPRF.

Prepared by Prof Benecke and Prof Meintjes from the University of Johannesburg, this global overview of key insights, trends and challenges shaping the global PR and communication industry explores AI advancements, the growing importance of ESG principles, and the integration of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in communication strategies.

“The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication prides itself in providing research on current trends, perspectives and practices representing the views of its 320,000 members.

“The information is accessible on the Global Alliance webpage and aims to empower professionals in their decision making and local influence,” explains Prof Benecke.