The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) has announced a transformation of its youth engagement conference. The previous WEXFO Youth Network Conference, first held in May 2023, has been rebranded as WEXFO Take Action to better reflect the conference’s evolving focus and attract a broader audience.

“The new title emphasizes the practical, action-oriented nature of the conference, highlighting its role in empowering participants to actively engage in and advance youth and young adults’ freedom of expression,” says Project Manager Hilde Fauskerud.

The 2024 conference, which featured 19 speakers and focused on the theme “The Kids Are Not All Right,” highlighted the challenges young people face regarding freedom of expression. A report by the Eastern Norway Research Institute had previously identified a lack of a common platform for youth organizations.

WEXFO Take Action will spotlight best practices in freedom of expression work for youth and young adults. The rebranding aims to inspire and empower participants to take concrete steps in their advocacy and professional efforts. The conference will bring together organizations, stakeholders, and voices from around the world.

“WEXFO Take Action will serve as a natural follow-up to WEXFO’s main conference. While the main conference is more focused on current themes, research, reflections, and discussions about the state of freedom of expression and democracy worldwide, WEXFO Take Action is dedicated to strengthening freedom of expression in practice,” Fauskerud states.

How to participate?

The conference takes place in Lillehammer on June 4, 2025 – the day following WEXFO’s main conference – and participation is free of charge for all WEXFO 2025 ticket holders.

If you only wish to attend WEXFO Take Action, you can purchase a separate ticket for NOK 845 (including lunch).

Questions or suggestions? Please send an email to hilde@wexfo.no.

Photo: Speaker Unumunkh Jargalsaikhan at the WEXFO Youth Network Conference 2024