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 WEXFO Youth project with Nansen Academy

New WEXFO Youth project with Nansen Academy

WEXFO Nansen Academy Dialogue Seminar will focus on dialogue as a tool in conflict situations and aims to make participants even more equipped in their own work. Our experience is that by using dialogue as a method and establishing safe spaces for expression, more people will dare to express themselves, even on difficult topics. This is especially useful in situations that are perceived as locked.

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Together for “Leseløft Lillehammer”

Together for “Leseløft Lillehammer”

The schools, kindergartens and library of Lillehammer Kommune are collaborating with World Expression Forum and the Norwegian Festival of Literature to increase reading skills and the joy of reading among children in Lillehammer. Recently, we met to share experiences and insights and further plan our research-based, coordinated and long-term work for a reading boost for children.

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New colleagues on the WEXFO team

New colleagues on the WEXFO team

World Expression Forum is pleased to have Hilde Fauskerud Hansen, Andreas Gjone and Julia Dietze join the team in important roles in our organisation. Hilde is our Project Manager for WEXFO Youth: – I am fortunate to be able to work with something as important as...

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WEXFO-SEMINAR I BRUSSEL OM YTRINGSFRIHET FOR UNGDOM

WEXFO-SEMINAR I BRUSSEL OM YTRINGSFRIHET FOR UNGDOM

23.februar inviterte World Expression Forum (WEXFO) til seminar i Brussel om ytringsfrihet, demokrati og unges deltakelse i det offentlige rom. WEXFO er en årlig internasjonal kongress og møteplass i Lillehammer som samler aktører fra hele verden som jobber med...

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Early Bird Offer: Save NOK 500

Early Bird Offer: Save NOK 500

Take advantage of our special offer to participate at World Expression Forum 2023.
Order before 6th of March and get the Early Bird Ticket for only NOK 5.450 (Original price NOK 5.950)

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Speakers launched!

Speakers launched!

Freedom of speech is more important than ever. War and growing authoritarian tendencies, new technologies and cancel culture affect the status of free speech in different ways. Over two days in May, the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) will gather some of the brightest...

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Invitation to Public Meeting on Freedom of Expression

Invitation to Public Meeting on Freedom of Expression

Three Nobel Laureates, local youth and musicians of international class are on stage when newcomers World Expression Forum and Music in Innlandet, in collaboration with the Norwegian Literature Festival and GD, invite to a public meeting on freedom of expression in...

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Join us at Utøya

Join us at Utøya

We invite you to join us at Utøya in 2023 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...

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