WEXFO
YOUNG EXPERTS
Lillehammer, Norway
21-25 May 2027
Join an international community working for Freedom of Expression!
World Expression Forum (WEXFO) invites young professionals from around the world to apply for the WEXFO Young Experts Networking Seminar, 21-25 May 2027 in Lillehammer, Norway.
The WEXFO Young Experts Networking Seminar brings together a diverse international group of 70 young people who share one commitment: strengthening freedom of expression and democratic participation.
During the seminar, participants will explore key freedom of expression issues, exchange experiences from different countries and contexts, and build relationships across borders, guided by professional facilitators. The program will combine professional and thematic sessions with networking, cultural experiences and social activities.
As part of the seminar, participants will also take part in the WEXFO conference in Lillehammer, where they will meet and engage with journalists, artists, organizations, policymakers, and other participants from around the world.
What can you expect?
Thematic cohorts: Work with the same smaller group and professional facilitator throughout the program, exploring important questions and challenges related to a special topic about freedom of expression.
Conversations across countries and perspectives: Hear how freedom of expression is experienced, challenged, and defended in different parts of the world.
Networking: Meet people from different countries and fields, exchange ideas and experiences, and build relationships that can continue beyond WEXFO.
Participation in the World Expression Forum: Follow a two-day high-level conference program and engage with speakers, organizations, decision-makers, and participants from around the world. Informal gatherings and cultural experiences: Time to get to know one another beyond the formal program.
Building connections that last
One of the seminar’s main ambitions is to create meaningful connections across countries, professions, and experiences.
We want participants not only to meet during their time in Lillehammer, but to find people with whom they can exchange knowledge, develop ideas, seek advice and potentially collaborate in the future.
The program therefore includes spaces for participants to share what they are working on, what they can contribute, and what kinds of people, knowledge, or collaborations they are looking for.
After the program, participants will also be invited to join the WEXFO Alumni Network, connecting former participants from around the world.
Who are we looking for?
We welcome applications from people between 18 and 35 years old from all parts of the world who are engaged in promoting or protecting Freedom of Expression.
Your engagement may be through journalism, human rights, arts and culture, technology, education, research, politics, community work, or other fields.
What matters to us is your engagement, your experiences, your motivation, and your willingness to participate actively. We are looking for people who are curious about perspectives similar or different from their own, and willing to share their experiences and perspectives, while remaining open to listening to and learning from others.
How to apply?
To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to nominations@wexfo.no
In your motivation letter (max 300 words) we would appreciate it if you write about:
- How your work, activities or interests relate to Freedom of Expression
- Why you would like to participate
- What perspectives or experiences you would bring to the group
- What you hope to learn, explore or develop through the program
WEXFO will select a diverse international group of around 70 participants based on motivation, engagement, and the aim of bringing together participants with different geographical, professional, and personal perspectives. We are looking for participants who want to share, listen, question, connect, and contribute.
Travel and accommodation expenses covered
Participation in the program is free of charge for selected participants. WEXFO will cover all travel to and from Lillehammer, accommodation, meals and program-related transportation for selected participants. Our team will assist participants with practical arrangements related to travel and participation.
Application deadline: October 20, 2026.
For more information contact Project Manager Hilde Fauskerud, hilde@wexfo.no
Young Experts Nomination Committee
Hilde Fauskerud
Committe Leader
Hilde is Project Manager for World Expression Forum’s initiative WEXFO Youth. She has a Master’s Degree in Art History and educated as a teacher with five years of education at university level. Hilde is also educated in project management and has 12 years of experience as project manager at Lillehammer Art Museum. In addition, Hilde has extensive experience with festivals, including as Festival Manager and board memeber of DølaJazz – Lillehammer Jazzfestival.
Martial Breton
Martial Breton is a French facilitator and activist passionate about democratic innovation and citizen participation. Between 2016 and 2021, he was deeply engaged in climate justice movements and helped launch the first youth climate strikes in France as part of Fridays for Future. As a coordinating member of the Gilets Citoyens collective, he contributed to organizing the French Citizens’ Convention on Climate in 2019, the country’s first large-scale citizens’ assembly. Since then, Martial has focused on strengthening democratic practices through shared governance and collective intelligence, supporting numerous youth and civic organizations. In 2022, he was randomly selected to take part in France’s second Citizens’ Convention, on end-of-life issues. Today, he works at a consulting agency dedicated to designing and facilitating local citizens’ assemblies and participatory processes across France.
Melanie Walker
With over 20 years of experience, Melanie is a recognized leader in global media capacity-building and advocacy. As Executive Director of Media Development at WAN-IFRA, she manages a multi-million euro budget to champion media freedom, democracy, and gender equality across 25 countries. Founder of the award-winning Women in News (WIN) programme, she is dedicated to advancing gender equality and fostering inclusion. Her career includes significant roles in North America and Europe, such as Vice President International for the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). She holds a BA (Hons) degree from King’s College, Dalhousie University, and an MSc from the London School of Economics.
Ammal Ahmed Haj Mohamed
Ammal Ahmed Haj Mohamed holds a BA in Politics and International Relations and has studied Nordic language and literature. She is a project manager at PEN Norway, focusing on freedom of expression for young voices. Previously, she worked as an advisor at the Directorate of Integration and Diversity and led the diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiative at Sentralen cultural arena. Ammal is a former leader of Norwegian People’s Aid Solidarity Youth. In 2022, she was listed as one of “33 under 33 rising stars in politics and culture” by Vårt Land for her work and activism. She is a member of the Norwegian UNESCO Commission (2025-28) and serves on the boards of Norwegian People’s Aid, Future in Our Hands, and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.
Anne-Thea Haavind
Anne-Thea Haavind is Head of Administration at World Expression Forum. Prior to her current position at WEXFO, she worked nine years as Head of the Pegasus and KOMMA-programmes at the Norwegian Festival of Literature. She has a Master’s Degree in Cultural Studies, and professional experience from festivals and events since 2009, including Kongsberg Jazz festival, Dølajazz and Youth Olympic Games.
Andreas Gjone
Andreas Gjone is Communications and Marketing Manager at World Expression Forum. Andreas has worked as a communications professional since 2006, with extensive experience from the non-profit sector, business and public sector, including Tier 1 law firm Wiersholm (2019-2023), child rights organization Plan International Norway (2013-2019), PR agency Axxept (2011-2013), Oppland County Governor (2010-2011) and Association of Norwegian Students Abroad (2007-2010). Andreas holds a Master’s Degree in North American Studies and has additional education in project management and cultural entrepreneurship.
WEXFO Utøya Young Experts nomination criteria
- Age: 18-35 years old
- Relevant background: Innovators, writers, activists, journalists, human rights defenders, artists, community/business leaders, etc.
- Profile: Established in their field, with a passionate commitment to freedom of expression and documented experience/results.
- Geographical diversity: We aim for a wide geographical spread among participants and welcome nominations from all continents.
Utøya – a place for commemoration, learning and engagement
22 July 2011 Utøya became the scene of the worst terrorist attack in Norwegian history. A far-right terrorist attacked AUF’s summer camp, and many were killed. Today Utøya is an open, accessible and inclusive arena for engaging, learning and remembering.
How they have enabled new life is what impressed me the most at Utøya. It's so human, it's so sincere, it's so truthful.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, human rights lawyer, Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2022 and speaker at WEXFO 2022 and 2023.
