Are you between 18 and 35 and passionate about freedom of expression, democracy, and civic engagement?
WEXFO Utøya Young Experts brings together up to 70 young changemakers from around the world for a unique seminar in Norway – starting on Utøya and culminating at the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer.
Participants will take part in workshops, dialogues, and intergenerational exchanges, contributing to global conversations on the future of freedom of expression. All travel and participation costs are covered by WEXFO.
- Dates: May 29 – June 3, 2026
- Location: Utøya and Lillehammer, Norway
- Nomination deadline: October 15, 2025
Desired qualities of candidates
- A demonstrated and sustained passion for defending and promoting freedom of expression, democracy, and civic engagement.
- Proven ability to inspire, mobilize, or lead others in initiatives that support democratic values and human rights
- A track record of meaningful contributions, whether through activism, community work, research, journalism, education, or digital advocacy.
- Willingness to speak up and act in defense of democratic principles, even in challenging or controversial contexts.
- Openness to dialogue, diversity of perspectives, and working across sectors, cultures, or ideologies.
- Creative approaches to solving problems related to civic participation, media freedom, or democratic resilience.
- Understanding of both local and global challenges to freedom of expression and democracy, and the ability to connect the two.
Note: Previous Young Experts participants cannot be nominated, but are encouraged to nominate others.
For nominations or questions, contact project manager Hilde Fauskerud at hilde@wexfo.no.
Photo: WEXFO/MMMedia AS
