The IPA was present at the 5th edition of the World Expression Forum (WExFo), holding a workshop on the future of publishing and the shortlist announcement of the 2026 IPA Prix Voltaire. The Forum, which brought together freedom of expression advocates from around the world, issued a conference statement at its close.
The World Expression Forum opened with Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, delivering a keynote speech and then sitting down for a conversation with
US/Philippine journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Maria Ressa. Jonas Gahr Støre was measured in acknowledging the threats to freedom of expression and the role of social media companies in undermining civic and political engagement and the need to regulate these tech companies, who are scooping up journalists’ content and controlling how we access information. Ressa was forthright in her criticism of big tech and their impact on societies. Their session was followed by a damning presentation of the freedom of expression situation across the world by the V-DEM Institute.
IPA held a breakout session alongside Pen International and Frankfurt Book Fair entitled The Future of Publishing: Making Space for Young Voices which brought together WEXFO delegates to look out how young voices, both authors and young publishing professionals, could be better heard within the sector. The session followed up on previous events at Frankfurt and London Book Fairs and delivered a range of ideas for the group to pursue. If you are interested in developing a Young Voices Network you can sign up for information here.
IPA also held the announcement of the 2026 IPA Prix Voltaire shortlist during the Gala dinner. The dinner was also the occasion of WEXFO’s Young Inspiration Award, which went to Nepali activist Pema Wangmo Lama. The ceremony was made more poignant by the fact that last year’s winner, Imaan Mazari Hazir, has since been sentenced to 17 years in prison in her native Pakistan.
The two days’ discussions focused on the theme of ‘the freedom to disagree’ and, as in previous years, closed with a conference statement bringing together different elements of the discussions. Indeed there had been disagreements with the young experts, who make up a special part of the WEXFO programme, holding a 3-minute silence and expressing dissatisfaction at how their voices had been heard.