Nominations are open for WEXFO Utøya Young Experts 2026

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.

Kristenn Einarsson, the current Managing Director of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), has announced his decision to step down after leading the organization since it was founded in 2021.

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.

At the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), Imaan Mazari-Hazir was honored with the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award, a new prize awarded to a young voice and activist who has made an extraordinary contribution to youth freedom of expression.

Tomasz Wnęk is one of many young leaders bringing youth perspective to WEXFO 2025. The rising political voice from Poland, is one of the participants in the WEXFO More Young Voices seminar. 

The exhibition explores global perspectives on freedom of expression through powerful visual storytelling from artists, activists, and journalists around the world.

Oscar Anderson, an activist and agent of change, is among the keynote speakers at the upcoming conference in Lillehammer on June 2-3. He will deliver a speech on inclusion and freedom of expression.