WEXFO Annual Report 2025: A year of resistance and young engagement

Ingunn Trosholmen is stepping into the role as the new CEO of World Expression Forum (WEXFO). In this interview, she shares what inspired her to take on the position, her thoughts on the years ahead, and why Lillehammer offers a unique setting for global conversations on freedom of expression.

Legal protections for free expression are widespread, but in professional life, many still stay silent. At WEXFO 2025, a panel representing legal expertise, advocacy and journalism explored why rights on paper don’t always translate into real freedom.

Led by Arizza Nocum – co-founder and President of KRIS, and a former WEXFO Young Expert and member of the program committee – a highly experienced and diverse group is now working to curate engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2026, which will take place in Lillehammer, Norway, from 1 to 3 June.

Ingunn Trosholmen will assume the role of Managing Director from January 1, 2026. She joins WEXFO from her current position as State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister of Norway.

On 23 September, the Norwegian government presented its National Strategy for an Open and Enlightened Public Discourse. The Director of WEXFO contributed in a panel at the official launch.

Are you between 18 and 35 and passionate about freedom of expression, democracy, and civic engagement?

In September, Norway’s media industry launched a joint campaign to raise awareness among 18-30-year-olds about the value of trustworthy, fact-based journalism. The campaign encourages critical thinking in a media landscape shaped by social platforms and an increasing volume of disinformation.

The new European initiative DemRead will oppose the increasing autocratization of states by promoting higher-level reading.

As I reflect on a week spent in Norway, I think about the numerous powerful keynote speeches, interesting (and even sometimes heated) panels, my personal interactions with Young Experts and More Young Voices, and side event visits.

What do young people need? After six days of listening, sharing, grieving, and laughing at the World Expression Forum, I think I’m beginning to understand. I recently participated in the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) from May 30 – June 4, 2025, held in both Utøya and Lillehammer, thanks to a nomination from Awareness 360 — a youth-led NGO committed to empowering young people to support and uplift their communities.