By Mercy Peter
The Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria has announced plans to honour distinguished institutions and individuals for their contributions to global peace and stability at its 2026 international conference in Abuja, positioning the gathering as a major platform for diplomacy, intelligence collaboration and strategic communication.
The high-level summit, scheduled for May 20, 2026, at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, will convene diplomats, security experts, trade stakeholders and media professionals under the theme: “Information Warfare (FIMI): Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment Through Collaborative Truth: Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media.”
Organisers say the event will combine recognition of peacebuilders with urgent global conversations around Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a growing concern in international relations and economic stability.
Chairman of DICAN, Idehai Frederick, said the conference reflects a shift in how modern diplomacy must respond to evolving threats, particularly the strategic use of misinformation and disinformation in shaping global outcomes.
He warned that the “weaponization of information” now poses direct risks not only to political systems but also to international commerce and investment flows.
“The integrity of information is the bedrock of international commerce,” Frederick said. “When FIMI is allowed to thrive, it creates political instability, erodes investor confidence, disrupts supply chains and ultimately devalues national assets. This conference is a call for a ‘Collaborative Truth’ to safeguard global trade and investment.”
The summit is expected to attract high-level participation from leading diplomatic actors, including envoys from the United States, China and the European Union, alongside representatives of more than 100 diplomatic missions.
According to organisers, discussions will centre on how coordinated efforts between diplomacy, intelligence and the media can counter disinformation threats and reinforce trust in global markets. The concept of “collaborative truth” — a framework for cross-sector verification and responsible information-sharing — will underpin the deliberations.
Analysts note that the conference comes at a time when geopolitical rivalries are increasingly being fought through digital channels, with state and non-state actors deploying information tactics to influence elections, distort markets and undermine public trust.
DICAN said the Abuja confab aims to bridge critical gaps between policy, intelligence and communication ecosystems, ensuring that information integrity becomes a core pillar of economic resilience.
Beyond policy dialogue, the event will spotlight individuals and organisations whose work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution has strengthened international cooperation, reinforcing the link between security and sustainable development.
With Nigeria hosting the summit, DICAN believes the country is well-positioned to serve as a convening hub for global conversations on diplomacy, transparency and security-conscious investment.
