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Eline Ruud Kristiansen winner of “Young People’s Public Address”

The winner of the “Young People’s Public Address” writing competition is Eline Ruud Kristiansen for the text “I Am a Little Afraid,” performed at the Public Meeting for Freedom of Expression during the Norwegian Festival of Literature and the World Expression Forum.

World Expression Forum 2026 Conference Statement

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) 2026 takes place at a time when freedom of expression is under growing attack. Speaking out is becoming more difficult. Not only because of censorship and repression, but because fear, polarization, hostility, and distrust force more people to self-censor.

Pema Wangmo Lama awarded the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award

Nepali activist Pema Wangmo Lama (26) has been awarded the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award during the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer, Norway.

When the fabric of society unravels

When people withdraw from public debate because they cannot bear the aggression, the suspicion, or the online shaming, something in democracy has already changed.

Two new shareholders join the World Expression Forum

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) welcomes Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue and the Norwegian Authors’ Union as new shareholders.

WEXFO launches 2026 conference program exploring disagreement, power and the future of democracy

The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) has launched the program for WEXFO 2026, “The Freedom to Disagree” – an international conference addressing the shrinking space for disagreement worldwide.

WEXFO seeks Norwegian participants for More Young Voices 2026

World Expression Forum (WEXFO) is now inviting young people from Norway aged 18–25 to apply for WEXFO More Young Voices 2026 – an international Erasmus+ group exchange focused on freedom of expression, youth participation, and democratic engagement.

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.”

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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