Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa will meet on stage for an in-depth conversation on the opening day of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), taking place in Lillehammer from 1–3 June.
Growing global concerns
Over the past decade, the number of countries moving in an authoritarian direction has increased. More states are imposing restrictions on the media, civil society, and independent institutions. According to data from the research organization Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), more than 70 percent of the world’s population now lives under autocratic regimes.
In this global context, WEXFO brings together activists, politicians, researchers, journalists, business leaders, and young voices from around the world to discuss how to secure free and open expression in the years ahead.
“The Freedom to Disagree”
The in-depth conversation between the Norwegian Prime Minister and Maria Ressa will introduce the conference’s main theme, “The Freedom to Disagree”. They will explore how disagreement and freedom of expression function in a rapidly changing world marked by polarization and democratic backsliding.
“We are very pleased that the Prime Minister of Norway is joining WEXFO this year together with Maria Ressa. At a time when democratic values are challenged globally, political and editorial leadership become crucial. Their conversation will give us an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities that come with power – both in government and in the media,” says WEXFO CEO Ingunn Trosholmen.
“Freedom of expression rarely disappears overnight. It is challenged gradually – through political pressure, social sanctions, and technological change. We need open discussions about how we respond to these developments, even in well-established democracies,” Trosholmen continues.
Maria Ressa has spent many years challenging the authorities in her home country and fighting disinformation and digital threats to democracy. Prime Minister Støre was among those who nominated Ressa for the Nobel Peace Prize she received in 2021. This year’s conference marks her third appearance at WEXFO.
About the conference
WEXFO will be held for the fifth time in 2026 at Scandic Lillehammer Hotel. The forum gathers around 300 participants from across the globe, including over 100 young activists and experts from more than 50 countries. The 2026 theme is “The Freedom to Disagree,” and the program includes panel discussions, workshops, and meetings with international experts on freedom of expression and democracy.
Nobel laureates have appeared on the WEXFO stage every year since its beginning. In addition to Maria Ressa, participants have included Dmitry Muratov, Shirin Ebadi, Oleksandra Matviichuk, and Taghi Rahmani – the husband of imprisoned Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.
