About the event

The WEXFO annual conference takes place in Lillehammer, Norway, in May/June. In connection with the conference, WEXFO also organises WEXFO Youth Lillehammer, WEXFO Youth Network Conference in Lillehammer as well as WEXFO Young Experts and WEXFO Youth seminars at Utøya.

The need for a forum where the challenges to freedom of expression can be discussed and debated is greater than ever. But we also want to showcase progress. Free media, literature and other art forms are fundamental preconditions for freedom of expression. They provide knowledge, and are central to constructive, critical debate. They challenge entrenched notions, shape our self-understanding and, at the same time, are taking care of the memories of society.

Freedom of speech is necessary for trust and openness, both between individuals and between the public and social institutions. Freedom of speech is a prerequisite for a “society for all”.

World Expression Forum (WEXFO) was established as an ideal joint stock company on 20 August 2021. WEXFO aims to ensure and empower global free speech based on high level guidance, best practice, and high-quality analysis. WEXFO is a common arena for those with a firm belief in freedom of expression as a prerequisite for a global sustainable development.

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.

WEXFO wants to inspire progress for freedom of expression on all levels of society – internationally, nationally and locally.