World Expression Forum (WEXFO) is deeply concerned about the ongoing legal proceedings against human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir in Islamabad, reported in Pakistani and international media. As the recipient of the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award, Mazari-Hazir represents young voices fighting for the rule of law and freedom of expression.

Ingunn Trosholmen is stepping into the role as the new CEO of World Expression Forum (WEXFO). In this interview, she shares what inspired her to take on the position, her thoughts on the years ahead, and why Lillehammer offers a unique setting for global conversations on freedom of expression.

World Expression Forum’s Annual Report for 2025 is now live. The report reflects a year defined by resistance, global dialogue, and strong youth engagement for freedom of expression and democracy.

Led by Arizza Nocum – co-founder and President of KRIS, and a former WEXFO Young Expert and member of the program committee – a highly experienced and diverse group is now working to curate engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2026, which will take place in Lillehammer, Norway, from 1 to 3 June.

Ingunn Trosholmen will assume the role of Managing Director from January 1, 2026. She joins WEXFO from her current position as State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister of Norway.

On 23 September, the Norwegian government presented its National Strategy for an Open and Enlightened Public Discourse. The Director of WEXFO contributed in a panel at the official launch.

Are you between 18 and 35 and passionate about freedom of expression, democracy, and civic engagement?

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.

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.

Ingunn Trosholmen is stepping into the role as the new CEO of World Expression Forum (WEXFO). In this interview, she shares what inspired her to take on the position, her thoughts on the years ahead, and why Lillehammer offers a unique setting for global conversations on freedom of expression.

World Expression Forum’s Annual Report for 2025 is now live. The report reflects a year defined by resistance, global dialogue, and strong youth engagement for freedom of expression and democracy.

Led by Arizza Nocum – co-founder and President of KRIS, and a former WEXFO Young Expert and member of the program committee – a highly experienced and diverse group is now working to curate engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2026, which will take place in Lillehammer, Norway, from 1 to 3 June.

Ingunn Trosholmen will assume the role of Managing Director from January 1, 2026. She joins WEXFO from her current position as State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister of Norway.

On 23 September, the Norwegian government presented its National Strategy for an Open and Enlightened Public Discourse. The Director of WEXFO contributed in a panel at the official launch.

Are you between 18 and 35 and passionate about freedom of expression, democracy, and civic engagement?

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.

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.

In an era where information flows faster than ever, young people are navigating a complex landscape of truths, half-truths, and outright misinformation. This reality shapes not only their understanding of the world but also their ability to participate meaningfully in democratic dialogue.

Propaganda and disinformation are embedded in the way we consume information every day. Algorithms amplify lies, emotions drive engagement, and societies splinter under the weight of manipulation. At WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, four leading voices shared why awareness and resilience are critical for democracy.

During WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, we interviewed three leading voices to reflect on one of the most fundamental pillars of democracy: reading. In a world of growing polarization, disinformation, and fragmented realities, literacy is not just a skill – it is a necessity for citizenship building.

Legal protections for free expression are widespread, but in professional life, many still stay silent. At WEXFO 2025, a panel representing legal expertise, advocacy and journalism explored why rights on paper don’t always translate into real freedom.

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.

Democracy and freedom of expression are under pressure across the globe – and even in Norway, there are signs of unrest. These sparks must be extinguished before our entire democracy goes up in flames.

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. 

On March 22, 2024, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a 32-year-old prominent female human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta, the capital of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Her only “crime”? Speaking out against human rights violations, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the systematic economic exploitation of the region, which is rich in mineral resources but remains the poorest in Pakistan.

Propaganda and disinformation are embedded in the way we consume information every day. Algorithms amplify lies, emotions drive engagement, and societies splinter under the weight of manipulation. At WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, four leading voices shared why awareness and resilience are critical for democracy.

During WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, we interviewed three leading voices to reflect on one of the most fundamental pillars of democracy: reading. In a world of growing polarization, disinformation, and fragmented realities, literacy is not just a skill – it is a necessity for citizenship building.

Legal protections for free expression are widespread, but in professional life, many still stay silent. At WEXFO 2025, a panel representing legal expertise, advocacy and journalism explored why rights on paper don’t always translate into real freedom.

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.

Democracy and freedom of expression are under pressure across the globe – and even in Norway, there are signs of unrest. These sparks must be extinguished before our entire democracy goes up in flames.

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. 

On March 22, 2024, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a 32-year-old prominent female human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta, the capital of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Her only “crime”? Speaking out against human rights violations, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the systematic economic exploitation of the region, which is rich in mineral resources but remains the poorest in Pakistan.

American author and counter-disinformation expert Nina Jankowicz calls the situation in the US “extremely concerning” as she prepares to share her insights at the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer in June.