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.
“Just a generation ago, we believed that democracy and freedom of expression would shape the future. Now we see that the development has taken a dramatic turn – even in our part of the world. Technology, polarization, and new geopolitical challenges put enormous pressure on rights and freedoms that we may have taken too much for granted. Do we understand the dangers well enough? And what can we do to protect these fundamental values? This year’s WEXFO conference will be a unique opportunity to discuss these crucial questions,” says foreign news reporter and podcast host at the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Kristoffer Rønneberg.
Rønneberg has served as Aftenposten’s correspondent in China and the United States, and is also the author of “Veien til Mandalay” (2015), a book about Myanmar’s democratic reforms, and “Stormens Øy” (2024), a book about Taiwan.
This year’s WEXFO conference, titled “The Year of Resistance,” highlights the need to unite against rising authoritarian forces. The program features prominent international speakers such as Deeyah Khan, Gérard Biard, Seyran Ates, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. Topics include propaganda and disinformation, the impact of the 2024 elections on traditional media, press freedom vs. freedom of expression, resilience through art, tech regulations, freedom of expression in conflict zones, and in academia and professional life, diversity, reading, satire, and depolarization.
“This year’s program reflects the seriousness of geopolitics. I am looking forward to hearing talks and conversations that I am sure will contribute to both understanding and inspiration for further work for democracy and freedom of expression in a world where both are under pressure,” comments Jette F. Christensen, who is a political scientist and Europe and security analyst at the political online newspaper Altinget.
Christensen is also the author of the book “Demokratiet, det er oss” (2024) and a former member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Norwegian Labour Party.
The WEXFO conference will take place at Lillehammer Scandic Hotel on June 2-3. In addition to participants and invited speakers, the World Expression Forum will also gather over 100 young leaders and activists from around the world, as well as 1500 young people from Lillehammer and the surrounding area for a separate freedom of expression festival in the hotel garden. The conference promises to be a unique mix of people from various backgrounds and generations, all dedicated to promoting freedom of expression.
