About us

World Expression Forum (WEXFO) is a meeting place and driving force for global cooperation to ensure freedom of expression for all. We empower global free speech through guidance, analyses, and best practices. We provide a common arena for everyone who believes that freedom of expression is essential for democracy. Our WEXFO Youth initiative creates platforms for young people to engage in dialogue and advocacy.

Our vision

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

Our 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, freedom, and safety to express themselves.

What we do

• Global hub: WEXFO serves as a global meeting place for everyone dedicated to freedom of expression, fostering connections and dialogue across borders.
• Inspiration for action: WEXFO inspires individuals and organizations to take action and drive progress in the field of free expression.
• Influence and advocacy: Through reports, impactful projects, engaging discussions, and insightful summaries, WEXFO influences key developments in freedom of expression and democracy.
• Sharing best practices: We share experiences and seek out best practices to strengthen freedom of Expression for all
• Fostering cooperation: WEXFO promotes collaboration between people and organizations, organizing forum gatherings to unite voices and efforts.
• Empowering youth: Our WEXFO Youth events empower young people to engage with and advocate for freedom of expression, nurturing the next generation of leaders.
• Local engagement: At our headquarters in Lillehammer, Norway, we collaborate with local institutions such as the Norwegian Festival of Literature, Lillehammer UNESCO City of Literature, schools, libraries, and businesses to strengthen community involvement.

Our history and location

WEXFO was established as a joint stock company on August 20, 2021. Our first global conference took place in Lillehammer, Norway, in 2022. The conference is an annual event in May/June, including several WEXFO Youth events. Our 2024 events involved over 1,800 participants from several dozen countries.

We are based in Lillehammer, Norway. Norway has one of the highest degrees of freedom of expression, according to the 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 hosts the largest literature festival in Scandinavia in conjunction with our conference. The city, the region (Innlandet), and Norway are committed to supporting freedom of expression worldwide.