On March 22, 2024, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a 32-year-old prominent female human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta, the capital of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Her only “crime”? Speaking out against human rights violations, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the systematic economic exploitation of the region, which is rich in mineral resources but remains the poorest in Pakistan.

American author and counter-disinformation expert Nina Jankowicz calls the situation in the US “extremely concerning” as she prepares to share her insights at the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer in June.

For me, human rights activism is not a hobby but a profound responsibility.

Do Africans truly desire liberal democracy or is it just an imposition of rich, highly-industrialised Western governments?

The liberal democracies in the EU area have been weakened over the past 10-15 years. This likely includes the influence of editorial media. Is there a connection?

Adele Matheson Mestad, Director at the Norwegian Human Rights Institution, was one of the contributors to an important discussion at WEXFO 2024: Is AI a threat or a tool for freedom of expression?

Troubling signs are emerging: Democracies are backsliding, conflicts are intensifying hate speech and misinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and threats to free speech.

Artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism. The assertion of personal or emerging collective narratives challenges conventional viewpoints. Artists encounter pressures from authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, as well as societal forces. How can they maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures? What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression?

Young people report facing significant barriers to freedom of expression, such as cancel culture, online bullying, censorship, marginalization, and economic insecurity. The WEXFO Youth community has provided key recommendations to address these challenges and enhance freedom of expression for youth.

The state of global democracy and freedom of expression is taking a concerning turn, according to the latest report from the V-Dem Institute presented at WEXFO 2024.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties and recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, will speak at the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer on June 2-3.

Zaman will co-host the World Expression Forum on June 2-3 alongside Jette F. Christensen.

Holtzbrinck Buchverlage GmbH (Germany) and Folkeakademiets landsforbund (Norway) have joined the shareholder community of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO).

Journalist and freedom of expression advocate Maria Ressa will return to Norway and Lillehammer to speak at the global conference World Expression Forum (WEXFO) on June 2-3.

The latest Democracy Report from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg reveals that democratic countries are now in the minority. Freedom of expression is declining, and high levels of disinformation and polarization are driving democratic backsliding.

With extensive experience in journalism and politics, Jette F. Christensen and Kristoffer Rønneberg will lead the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer this June, bringing together global advocates for freedom of expression.

The law firm Thallaug, spearheaded by partner Ingrid Sandberg, will lead a dedicated session on freedom of expression in academia and the workplace during the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer on June 2-3.

The County Executive Committee has decided to grant the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) NOK 1.5 million annually for the next three years.

The renowned lawyer and Muslim feminist returns to Lillehammer on June 2 and 3 to speak about freedom of expression and democracy.