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Arizza Nocum and Chetan Rastogi to host this year’s WEXFO conference

WEXFO 2026 will be guided on stage by program committee chair Arizza Nocum and journalist Chetan Rastogi as the conference convenes in Lillehammer on 1–2 June under the theme “The Freedom to Disagree.”

Louis Theroux to join WEXFO 2026 in Lillehammer

World Expression Forum (WEXFO) announces award-winning documentary presenter Louis Theroux as speaker at this year’s global freedom of expression conference in Lillehammer June, 1-3.

V-Dem 2026: Freedom of expression under historic pressure

The new V-Dem Democracy Report 2026, released today, paints a dark picture of the global state of democracy. For the average world citizen, democracy has regressed to 1978 levels – nearly wiping out the gains of the “third wave of democratization.”

Norwegian Prime Minister and Maria Ressa in in-depth conversation at WEXFO

Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa will meet on stage for an in-depth conversation on the opening day of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), taking place in Lillehammer from 1–3 June.

WEXFO calls for the protection of freedom of expression following the arrest of Imaan Mazari-Hazir

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) expresses its solidarity with award-winning human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and reaffirms its commitment to protecting freedom of expression worldwide.

WEXFO announces 2026 conference theme: The Freedom to Disagree

In a time when polarization threatens our sense of community, WEXFO’s 2026 theme highlights how disagreement and dialogue strengthen freedom of expression and contribute to democratic resilience.

What does freedom of expression mean for the young generation?

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.

WEXFO calls for a fair trial for freedom of expression award winner Imaan Mazari-Hazir

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.

“A lie told a million times becomes a fact”

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.

The power of reading

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.

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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