03/06/2026
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Lillehammer June 2, 2026
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.
This affects all forms of expression. When people fall silent, power goes unchallenged, societies become more divided, and democracy weakens.
Disagreement is a core part of democracy. It allows ideas to be tested, perspectives to be shared, and societies to develop. Democracy is weakened when people choose to be silent out of fear but thrives when the right to disagree is upheld or respected.
We must be willing to listen, even when we disagree, including when those who challenge us question perspectives that are deeply connected to our identities. We must not dehumanize those whose views differ from our own.This does not mean abandoning our convictions. It means defending the space where disagreement can exist without fear.
Around the world, journalists, writers, artists, academics, activists, and ordinary citizens continue to face intimidation, exclusion, violence, and rising authoritarianism for expressing their views. Their protection is essential to preserving free and open societies. Their courage reminds us that freedom of expression is not an abstract principle. It is a lived reality that must be defended every day.
Digital platforms have opened the door to more voices than ever before, but they have also made public debate faster, louder, and more polarized. Trust is weakening. It is becoming easier to dismiss those we disagree with and harder to engage in meaningful dialogue across differences.
At the same time, those who seek to limit freedom are becoming more strategic, coordinated, and effective. Defending freedom of expression today requires more than good intentions. It requires collective action.
We must protect the right to express dissent in all its forms, support those who face consequences for speaking out, and strengthen the conditions for open, inclusive, and informed public debate. We must ensure that young people are not only protected online, but also included in shaping the digital spaces where they learn, participate, and make their voices heard.
Democracy depends not on agreement, but on the ability to handle disagreement.
The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) calls for action:
- We must organize, cooperate, and act with purpose to defend freedom of expression.
- We must defend those who speak – and challenge ourselves to speak when it matters.
- We must rebuild trust, reclaim nuance, and make space for constructive disagreement.
- We must ensure that freedom of expression remains a right that belongs to everyone, and hold the torch high for those whose voices are marginalized, excluded, or left behind.
Last year, the World Expression Forum reminded us that “ordinary people create history.” This year, we affirm a simple truth: Freedom of expression survives when ordinary people choose participation over silence.
