At the conclusion of the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer, 2-3 June 2025, the forum delivers a clear message to all supporters of freedom of expression and democracy:
World Expression Forum calls for resistance against authoritarian forces that undermine democracy and freedom of expression.
Democracy is continuously under threat, and we (the undersigned) promise to strengthen our battle against disinformation, censorship and polarization – and improve literacy in our societies.
We want to build on the cornerstones of free speech, freedom of the press, academic freedom, the right to publish, the right to act – and the right to disagree.
We all need to be involved, and our responsibility is to involve all, especially those who are voiceless.
At the heart of resistance, are hope and creativity. And we have learned that even a tiny hope can be a ground to build on – especially in times of war and conflict.
Being together at WEXFO is a seed we plant and nurture – using our different tools.
And from there, change will come. Ordinary people create history.
At WEXFO 2025 Imaan Mazari-Hazir was honored with the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award and the publishers Nadia Kandrusevich and Dmitri Strotsev won the Prix Voltaire.
Our promise is to learn bravery from those three in our common ongoing fight.
Sign and support the statement: World Expression Forum Conference Statement 2025
WEXFO Director Kristenn Einarsson adds:
“This year’s forum has been our most significant to date. Democracy is burning beneath our feet, and at WEXFO, there was a powerful sense of responsibility and enthusiasm to unite in resistance against authoritarianism. The conference also showed how this resistance is being mobilized across borders and generations — and that inspires us all.”
