Wednesday, 21 January 2026
PRCA MENA has officially opened registrations for the PRCA MENA Young Lions PR Competition 2026, inviting public relations professionals aged 30 and under to test their creativity, strategic thinking, and resilience on a regional stage that leads directly to global recognition.
The regional competition selects the winning team to represent MENA at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The annual festival held in France is widely regarded as the world’s most influential platform for creative excellence.
MENA’s impact on the global stage continues to strengthen. Most recently, Raneem Saleh and Youssef Yammine from Burson MENA brought home Gold in the Young Lions PR Competition at Cannes Lions 2025, marking the second time in three years that the region has secured a global Young Lions title—underscoring the depth and consistency of creative talent emerging from MENA.
Designed to mirror the pace, pressure, and expectations of the Cannes Lions competition itself, the PRCA MENA Young Lions PR Competition challenges teams to develop a fully integrated communications campaign for a local charity within just 24 hours. The experience offers participants a rare opportunity to sharpen their strategic instincts, collaborate under pressure, and gain exposure to international judging standards.
Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, said:
“The Young Lions PR Competition has become a powerful launchpad for MENA’s next generation of communication leaders. What we’ve seen in recent years is not just participation, but genuine global competitiveness. The region is no longer emerging—it is delivering at the highest level, and this competition continues to prove that.”
Sarah Waddington CBE, CEO of PRCA, added:
“Young Lions represents the very best of what our industry can offer—fresh thinking, strategic clarity and purpose-driven creativity. The success of our MENA teams on the global stage reflects the strength of the region’s professional community and the importance of platforms like this in nurturing future leaders.”
The winning team will go on to represent MENA at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, scheduled for 22–26 June 2026 in Cannes, France, with PRCA MENA supporting their participation as part of its ongoing commitment to elevating regional talent on the world stage.
For key dates, timelines and full competition details and entry requirements, please visit: https://prca.mena.global/events/the-mena-young-lions-pr-competition-2026/
About PRCA MENA
PRCA MENA is the regional arm of the world’s largest public affairs, public relations and communications association (PRCA). It was established in 2016 with the aim of raising standards in PR and communications. Representing more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide, the PR authority is a global advocate for excellence in public relations. The PRCA’s teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific work with industry professionals around the world to co-ordinate operations across six continents.
For more information visit: https://prca.mena.global/