WEXFO 2025

2-3 June 2025

Lillehammer, Norway

Early Bird

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WEXFO’s annual conference is a unique experience where you build networks, gain knowledge, and find renewed strength in your work for freedom of expression.

Set in the peaceful environment of Lillehammer, WEXFO offers an exceptional opportunity for dialogue and collaboration across generations and cultures.

Fighting for the dignity and future of my people

For me, human rights activism is not a hobby but a profound responsibility.

Africans and liberal democracy’s incompleteness

Do Africans truly desire liberal democracy or is it just an imposition of rich, highly-industrialised Western governments?

European media is weakened. It is a democratic challenge.

The liberal democracies in the EU area have been weakened over the past 10-15 years. This likely includes the influence of editorial media. Is there a connection?

AI: “A lightning-fast, exponential development that advances faster than regulatory measures”

Adele Matheson Mestad, Director at the Norwegian Human Rights Institution, was one of the contributors to an important discussion at WEXFO 2024: Is AI a threat or a tool for freedom of expression?

The global free speech recession: How to fight it?

Troubling signs are emerging: Democracies are backsliding, conflicts are intensifying hate speech and misinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and threats to free speech.

Navigating the pressures: Protecting artistic freedom in a complex landscape

Artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism. The assertion of personal or emerging collective narratives challenges conventional viewpoints. Artists encounter pressures from authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, as well as societal forces. How can they maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures? What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression?

Empowering young voices: Removing barriers to free expression

Young people report facing significant barriers to freedom of expression, such as cancel culture, online bullying, censorship, marginalization, and economic insecurity. The WEXFO Youth community has provided key recommendations to address these challenges and enhance freedom of expression for youth.

Democracy in decline: 2024’s troubling trends

The state of global democracy and freedom of expression is taking a concerning turn, according to the latest report from the V-Dem Institute presented at WEXFO 2024.

Democracy is built on reading skills

From a global perspective, the democratic progress achieved over the last 35 years has now disappeared. At the same time, reading skills have declined. Reading is democracy’s and freedom’s most important weapon.

Africans and liberal democracy’s incompleteness

Do Africans truly desire liberal democracy or is it just an imposition of rich, highly-industrialised Western governments?

European media is weakened. It is a democratic challenge.

The liberal democracies in the EU area have been weakened over the past 10-15 years. This likely includes the influence of editorial media. Is there a connection?

AI: “A lightning-fast, exponential development that advances faster than regulatory measures”

Adele Matheson Mestad, Director at the Norwegian Human Rights Institution, was one of the contributors to an important discussion at WEXFO 2024: Is AI a threat or a tool for freedom of expression?

The global free speech recession: How to fight it?

Troubling signs are emerging: Democracies are backsliding, conflicts are intensifying hate speech and misinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and threats to free speech.

Navigating the pressures: Protecting artistic freedom in a complex landscape

Artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism. The assertion of personal or emerging collective narratives challenges conventional viewpoints. Artists encounter pressures from authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, as well as societal forces. How can they maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures? What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression?

Empowering young voices: Removing barriers to free expression

Young people report facing significant barriers to freedom of expression, such as cancel culture, online bullying, censorship, marginalization, and economic insecurity. The WEXFO Youth community has provided key recommendations to address these challenges and enhance freedom of expression for youth.

Democracy in decline: 2024’s troubling trends

The state of global democracy and freedom of expression is taking a concerning turn, according to the latest report from the V-Dem Institute presented at WEXFO 2024.

Democracy is built on reading skills

From a global perspective, the democratic progress achieved over the last 35 years has now disappeared. At the same time, reading skills have declined. Reading is democracy’s and freedom’s most important weapon.

European media is weakened. It is a democratic challenge.

The liberal democracies in the EU area have been weakened over the past 10-15 years. This likely includes the influence of editorial media. Is there a connection?

AI: “A lightning-fast, exponential development that advances faster than regulatory measures”

Adele Matheson Mestad, Director at the Norwegian Human Rights Institution, was one of the contributors to an important discussion at WEXFO 2024: Is AI a threat or a tool for freedom of expression?

The global free speech recession: How to fight it?

Troubling signs are emerging: Democracies are backsliding, conflicts are intensifying hate speech and misinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and threats to free speech.

Navigating the pressures: Protecting artistic freedom in a complex landscape

Artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism. The assertion of personal or emerging collective narratives challenges conventional viewpoints. Artists encounter pressures from authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, as well as societal forces. How can they maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures? What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression?

Empowering young voices: Removing barriers to free expression

Young people report facing significant barriers to freedom of expression, such as cancel culture, online bullying, censorship, marginalization, and economic insecurity. The WEXFO Youth community has provided key recommendations to address these challenges and enhance freedom of expression for youth.

Democracy in decline: 2024’s troubling trends

The state of global democracy and freedom of expression is taking a concerning turn, according to the latest report from the V-Dem Institute presented at WEXFO 2024.

Democracy is built on reading skills

From a global perspective, the democratic progress achieved over the last 35 years has now disappeared. At the same time, reading skills have declined. Reading is democracy’s and freedom’s most important weapon.

2025 will be “the year of resistance”

The WEXFO 2025 conference will be crucial, says Veslemøy Østrem, head of the program committee, as she reveals what participants can expect in Lillehammer on June 2-3.

Lillehammer: Local initiative to enhance reading among children and youth produces positive results

At a time when reading enthusiasm and literacy skills among children and youth are declining, the city of Lillehammer stands out as an example of how targeted efforts can reverse the trend.

Lillehammer Municipality announces contribution to WEXFO for 2025

Lillehammer Municipality is a key partner for World Expression Forum and has now approved a grant of NOK 350,000 to WEXFO for 2025.

Five WEXFO board members re-elected for two years

José Borghino, Marit Borkenhagen, Trine Skei Grande, Mads Nygaard, and Anne Bergman have been re-elected for another two years on the WEXFO board. Mads Nygaard will continue as chairman.

New conference concept: WEXFO Take Action

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) has announced a transformation of its youth engagement conference. The previous WEXFO Youth Network Conference, first held in May 2023, has been rebranded as WEXFO Take Action to better reflect the conference’s evolving focus and attract a broader audience.

Meet our new program committee

Led by Veslemøy Hedvig Østrem, a highly experienced and skilled group will work on curating engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2025 (2-3 June in Lillehammer, Norway).

12 MNOK to WEXFO from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB

Sparebankstiftelsen DNB has announced that the foundation will provide 12 million NOK in support for WEXFO Youth from 2025 to 2028.

Record participation at WEXFO 2024

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 1800 participants engaged in the various events which took place in Lillehammer 26-29 May.

NRK presenters to lead the World Expression Forum 2024

When advocates for freedom of expression from around the world gather in Lillehammer on May 27-28, personalities Sigrid Sollund and Espen Aas from NRK (Norwegian Braodcasting Corporation) will open and lead the discussions.

Public meeting in Lillehammer for freedom of expression

On 28 May, the Norwegian Festival of Literature and the World Expression Forum, in collaboration with Musikk i Innlandet (Music in Innlandet) and the Lillehammer-based newspaper GD, invite to a public meeting for freedom of expression.

Lillehammer: Local initiative to enhance reading among children and youth produces positive results

At a time when reading enthusiasm and literacy skills among children and youth are declining, the city of Lillehammer stands out as an example of how targeted efforts can reverse the trend.

Lillehammer Municipality announces contribution to WEXFO for 2025

Lillehammer Municipality is a key partner for World Expression Forum and has now approved a grant of NOK 350,000 to WEXFO for 2025.

Five WEXFO board members re-elected for two years

José Borghino, Marit Borkenhagen, Trine Skei Grande, Mads Nygaard, and Anne Bergman have been re-elected for another two years on the WEXFO board. Mads Nygaard will continue as chairman.

New conference concept: WEXFO Take Action

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) has announced a transformation of its youth engagement conference. The previous WEXFO Youth Network Conference, first held in May 2023, has been rebranded as WEXFO Take Action to better reflect the conference’s evolving focus and attract a broader audience.

Meet our new program committee

Led by Veslemøy Hedvig Østrem, a highly experienced and skilled group will work on curating engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2025 (2-3 June in Lillehammer, Norway).

12 MNOK to WEXFO from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB

Sparebankstiftelsen DNB has announced that the foundation will provide 12 million NOK in support for WEXFO Youth from 2025 to 2028.

Record participation at WEXFO 2024

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 1800 participants engaged in the various events which took place in Lillehammer 26-29 May.

NRK presenters to lead the World Expression Forum 2024

When advocates for freedom of expression from around the world gather in Lillehammer on May 27-28, personalities Sigrid Sollund and Espen Aas from NRK (Norwegian Braodcasting Corporation) will open and lead the discussions.

Public meeting in Lillehammer for freedom of expression

On 28 May, the Norwegian Festival of Literature and the World Expression Forum, in collaboration with Musikk i Innlandet (Music in Innlandet) and the Lillehammer-based newspaper GD, invite to a public meeting for freedom of expression.

The upcoming WEXFO 2024 featured in reputable Publishing Perspectives

Leading online business magazine for the global book industry, Publishing Perspectives, highlights the third annual iteration of World Expression Forum and the conference’s programming segment focused on book publishing.

Lillehammer Municipality announces contribution to WEXFO for 2025

Lillehammer Municipality is a key partner for World Expression Forum and has now approved a grant of NOK 350,000 to WEXFO for 2025.

Five WEXFO board members re-elected for two years

José Borghino, Marit Borkenhagen, Trine Skei Grande, Mads Nygaard, and Anne Bergman have been re-elected for another two years on the WEXFO board. Mads Nygaard will continue as chairman.

New conference concept: WEXFO Take Action

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) has announced a transformation of its youth engagement conference. The previous WEXFO Youth Network Conference, first held in May 2023, has been rebranded as WEXFO Take Action to better reflect the conference’s evolving focus and attract a broader audience.

Meet our new program committee

Led by Veslemøy Hedvig Østrem, a highly experienced and skilled group will work on curating engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2025 (2-3 June in Lillehammer, Norway).

12 MNOK to WEXFO from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB

Sparebankstiftelsen DNB has announced that the foundation will provide 12 million NOK in support for WEXFO Youth from 2025 to 2028.

Record participation at WEXFO 2024

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 1800 participants engaged in the various events which took place in Lillehammer 26-29 May.

NRK presenters to lead the World Expression Forum 2024

When advocates for freedom of expression from around the world gather in Lillehammer on May 27-28, personalities Sigrid Sollund and Espen Aas from NRK (Norwegian Braodcasting Corporation) will open and lead the discussions.

Public meeting in Lillehammer for freedom of expression

On 28 May, the Norwegian Festival of Literature and the World Expression Forum, in collaboration with Musikk i Innlandet (Music in Innlandet) and the Lillehammer-based newspaper GD, invite to a public meeting for freedom of expression.

The upcoming WEXFO 2024 featured in reputable Publishing Perspectives

Leading online business magazine for the global book industry, Publishing Perspectives, highlights the third annual iteration of World Expression Forum and the conference’s programming segment focused on book publishing.

Global defenders of freedom of expression and over a thousand young people gather in Lillehammer for the World Expression Forum 2024

Experts and activists from 24 different countries will assemble in Lillehammer 27-28 May to illuminate and promote freedom of speech and democracy, alongside more than a thousand young participants.

WEXFO 2024: The Global Free Speech Recession – and How to Fight It?

“Freedom of expression is under threat from various quarters, and conflict levels are rising in many places around the world, including Europe. War, conflict, the rise of artificial intelligence, and increased polarization and disinformation contribute to a more challenging climate for debate. Access to free information and literature is restricted for many. The world is facing a crisis of trust between people, authorities, and the media. Freedom of expression is the key to regaining trust and strengthening the development of democracy.” – Kristenn Einarsson, Managing Director of WEXFO.

At our third annual conference, we were again honoured and excited to have a number of high-esteemed speakers, who commented on the overall question: «The Global Free Speech Recession – and How to Fight It?”

The 2024 conference provided great opportunities for in-depth studies and discussions. The entire afternoon of the first conference day was set aside for breakout sessions and workshops, with more space also for networking.

WEXFO Youth was also an important part of the event. Through different youth programs, more than 110 participants in the age group 18-33 years attended the congress. More than 1,000 youngsters in the age group 13-18 years attended the WEXO Youth Voices program, arranged in parallel with the WEXFO conference. On 29 May, the second WEXFO Youth Network Conference took place at the same location.

“A gathering of champions of human rights and solidarity”

Irene Kahn
UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion

Vision: World Expression Forum will empower and defend the freedom of expression as an absolute precondition for democracy and human progress.

Mission: World Expression Forum unites defenders of freedom of expression in a strong and active global community. As a catalyst for change, we aspire to give new generations the power, the freedom and the safety to express themselves.

 

Lillehammer – our conference city

WEXFO takes place annually in Lillehammer, Norway, in May/June. Norway is one of the countries in the world with the highest degree of freedom of expression, according to Freedom of expression index (Our World in Data). Lillehammer is a UNESCO City of Literature, an ICORN city of refuge for artists at risk, and is the host of the biggest literature festival in Scandinavia. Both the city, the region (Innlandet) and Norway as a country are committed to supporting freedom of expression around the world.

We all carry a responsibility to make sure that the right to freedom of expression is upheld. Freedom of expression comes with both rights and responsibilities. This is a constant investment in the democratic fabric of our societies.

Laila Bokhari, academic, diplomat and politician