DEMO: a conference on freedom of expression and democratic resilience 2026

Democratic ground rules are under pressure. DEMO is a conference that, through lectures and conversations, explores how democracy can be strengthened – locally and nationally. Here, participants, experts and key resource people from different sectors, regions and age groups meet to share experiences, debate, and gain insight into the democratic challenges of our time.

The conference addresses topics such as:
• What is the state of freedom of expression and democracy in Norway and the rest of the world?
• What role do young people play when democracy is under pressure?
• Why is there so much hate and polarization on social media?
• How do culture and class affect democratic participation?
• How can humor and satire be effective tools in the struggle for democracy?

...and you will meet, among others:
• Bente Kalsnes, professor at Høyskolen Kristiania and member of the most recent Freedom of Expression Commission.
• Staffan Lindberg, professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg and founder and director of the V-Dem Institute.
• Jørgen Watne Frydnes, secretary general of Norsk PEN and chair of the Nobel Committee.
• Anders Ravik Jupskås, director of the Center for Research on Extremism at the University of Oslo.
• Nancy Lystad Herz, senior adviser at HEF, sociologist and author.
• My Vingren, journalist and author whose areas of expertise include right-wing extremism and disinformation.
• Tahmasbi Khorassani, poet, author and researcher from Afghanistan, Stavanger’s City of Refuge writer.