DEMO: A conference on freedom of speech and democratic resilience

Welcome to a brand-new conference on September 17th in Stavanger. Through exciting lectures and discussions, we provide you with knowledge about the state of freedom of speech here in Norway and how we can build a robust and resilient society that withstands today's democratic challenges.

What and who are on the agenda?
- Freedom of speech and democracy in the world and Norway.
An update on the current state of freedom of speech and democracy, with a special focus on our digital expression infrastructure. Cecilie Hellestveit, special advisor NIM and researcher at NTNU.
- Freedom of speech in the workplace.
How can we improve the culture of expression in our workplaces? What is necessary for Norwegian workers to feel safe and encouraged to participate in public debate and express their opinions about working life? Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Secretary-General of Norwegian PEN.
- The significance of the media.
The Media Authority has noticed an increase in young people avoiding editor-controlled media. Trust in traditional media has fallen globally, but what is the situation in Norway? What do editor-controlled media mean for our preparedness? Kjersti Sortland, editor of Stavanger Aftenblad.
- Disinformation and influence operations.
Fake news, information overload, and online manipulation are increasingly used to undermine trust in our society. How do these operations work, who is behind them, and how can we protect ourselves against them? Eskil Grendahl Sivertsen, special advisor, Cyber-Social Propaganda & Influence, FFI.
- Norwegian strengths and weaknesses.
Without freedom of speech, there is no democracy. In today's Norway, freedom of speech is generally in good condition, but can we be sure that this will continue? What are our strengths and what could threaten the conditions of freedom of speech in one of the world's most democratic countries? Kjersti Løken Stavrum, CEO of the Tinius Foundation, chair of the board at Schibsted Media, and head of the previous Freedom of Speech Commission.
- Civil resilience.
What role does culture play? Featuring VIKING Football Club, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, or Concert Hall and Sølvberget Library.
- Artificial intelligence. TBA
- Solveig Bergslien's award for critical thinking in schools.
This year's winner will be announced, and the award will be presented by Alexandre Dessingué, professor of reading science at UiS.
- Musical performance by Ghawgha.
Musician, songwriter, and singer from Afghanistan. She is known for her songs about peace from a country where it is illegal to sing and women's voices should not be heard in public. Ghawgha was named one of the world's 100 most influential women by the BBC in 2021 and sang during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2023. She is currently residing in Harstad after coming to Norway through the international city of refuge network ICORN.

The program will be released continuously!

DEMO is organized by the City of Free Speech Stavanger, Sølvberget, and the University of Stavanger. A huge thank you to our supporters and partners: Stavanger 2025, Stavanger Municipality, Rogaland County Council, Sparebankstiftelsen SR-bank, The Arts Council, UNESCO, Fritt Ord, Kapittel Stavanger International Festival for Literature and Freedom of Expression, Norwegian PEN, The European Wergeland Centre, ICORN, and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra.