WEXFO 2026 will be guided on stage by program committee chair Arizza Nocum and journalist Chetan Rastogi as the conference takes place in Lillehammer on 1–3 June under the theme “The Freedom to Disagree.”
This year’s conference brings together global voices to explore how societies can disagree constructively while defending and strengthening freedom of expression. Among the confirmed speakers are award‑winning documentary presenter Louis Theroux, who will join WEXFO for an on‑stage conversation on empathy in disagreement, as well as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, who will meet for an in‑depth dialogue on opening day.
Arizza Nocum, who also serves as Chair of the WEXFO 2026 Programme Committee, has played a central role in shaping this year’s program. As Co‑Founder and President of KRIS in the Philippines, she has long worked at the intersection of youth leadership, peacebuilding, and countering violent extremism. Her engagement with WEXFO began in 2023 as a Young Expert, and she now returns in a dual capacity – designing the conference programme and guiding participants through it on stage.
Reflecting on her journey with WEXFO, she says:
“From my first year in WEXFO as a Young Expert in 2023 to my position now as program committee chair, I’ve always seen WEXFO as a special place. It doesn’t just bring together freedom of expression advocates around the world; it simultaneously supports and challenges them. WEXFO supports freedom of speech by being honest about the fragile state of freedom of expression, discussing practical solutions, and considering diverse viewpoints. But it also challenges us because we come out knowing there is so much more to do, and we’re emboldened by a newfound sense of community with others who think like us. This year, we’re going one step further by bringing in more voices of those who don’t think like us, with the hope that productive disagreement blossoms into discourse that engages rather than enrages, that empowers rather than oppresses.”
Joining Arizza on stage, Chetan Rastogi brings many years of experience as a journalist and presenter at NRK (Norwegian National Broadcasting), working across both radio and television – from regional news to national broadcasts. Known for his commitment to diversity and freedom of expression, he looks forward to contributing to the open conversations WEXFO is known for:
“Discussions can at times feel annoying or uncomfortable, even with friends and family. At WEXFO, I am looking forward to the brave, honest, and unfiltered conversations when we all feel safe enough to be challenged.”
With a programme featuring conversations on empathy, democratic resilience, and the global state of free expression – and anchored by high‑profile speakers – WEXFO 2026 aims to create space for the kind of dialogue where disagreement becomes productive.
Arizza Nocum and Chetan Rastogi will guide participants through these discussions, bringing together their experiences from peacebuilding, journalism, youth engagement, and public communication.
Photo of Arizza: Her Light Studios
Photo of Chetan: Torbjørn Brovold, NRK
