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Takeaways from World Expression Forum: A participant’s viewpoint on what stands out

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.

Takeaways from World Expression Forum: We spoke of freedom – and meant it

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.

World Expression Forum seeks new Managing Director

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.

World Expression Forum calls for resistance against authoritarian forces

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.

Imaan Mazari-Hazir honored with new freedom of expression award at WEXFO

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.

“Build bridges before the old ones burn”

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. 

UN exhibition SPEAK to be presented at World Expression Forum 2025

The exhibition explores global perspectives on freedom of expression through powerful visual storytelling from artists, activists, and journalists around the world.

Activist Oscar Anderson to deliver keynote at World Expression Forum

Oscar Anderson, an activist and agent of change, is among the keynote speakers at the upcoming conference in Lillehammer on June 2-3. He will deliver a speech on inclusion and freedom of expression.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk to speak at the World Expression Forum

Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties and recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, will speak at the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer on June 2-3.

Kadafi Zaman to host WEXFO conference

Zaman will co-host the World Expression Forum on June 2-3 alongside Jette F. Christensen.

New conference concept: WEXFO Take Action

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.

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Meet our new program committee

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).

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Navigating the pressures: Protecting artistic freedom in a complex landscape

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?

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Empowering young voices: Removing barriers to free 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.

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Record participation at WEXFO 2024

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.

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Democracy is built on reading skills

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.

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