WEXFO YOUTH VOICES

News

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.

“I want to see young voices not only participating in WEXFO, but leading it”

Ingunn Trosholmen is stepping into the role as the new CEO of World Expression Forum (WEXFO). In this interview, she shares what inspired her to take on the position, her thoughts on the years ahead, and why Lillehammer offers a unique setting for global conversations on freedom of expression.

“The freedom is not felt by the people who are protected by it.”

Legal protections for free expression are widespread, but in professional life, many still stay silent. At WEXFO 2025, a panel representing legal expertise, advocacy and journalism explored why rights on paper don’t always translate into real freedom.

WEXFO Annual Report 2025: A year of resistance and young engagement

World Expression Forum’s Annual Report for 2025 is now live. The report reflects a year defined by resistance, global dialogue, and strong youth engagement for freedom of expression and democracy.

Meet the WEXFO 2026 Program Committee

Led by Arizza Nocum – co-founder and President of KRIS, and a former WEXFO Young Expert and member of the program committee – a highly experienced and diverse group is now working to curate engaging and relevant topics and speakers for WEXFO 2026, which will take place in Lillehammer, Norway, from 1 to 3 June.

Ingunn Trosholmen appointed new Managing Director of World Expression Forum

Ingunn Trosholmen will assume the role of Managing Director from January 1, 2026. She joins WEXFO from her current position as State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister of Norway.

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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