The Annual Report provided an overview of the main theme, participation, and key discussions and outcomes that shaped WEXFO 2025. It highlighted the global participation in the conference, which had as its main theme “The Year of Resistance”. Over 2,600 participants from 52 countries attended the conference and related events to discuss the development of democracy, disinformation, press freedom, technology, diversity, inclusion, and freedom of expression in conflict areas, media, academia, and humor.
These discussions were further enriched by a diverse lineup of speakers, which included prominent politicians, media personalities, researchers, artists, academics, and young experts and activists who are fighting for their right to express themselves freely and safely. Among the many distinguished guests were Maria Ressa, Gérard Biard, Oleksandra Matviichuk, and Irene Khan.
Youth participation was a central element of the forum’s activities with over 1,500 young people involved through WEXFO Young. Young Experts brought personal perspectives and inspired discussion, sharing their experiences with art as a form of expression, the importance of youth voices in political processes, and how young people can resist repression and censorship.
In addition, WEXFO 2025 hosted key award ceremonies with Imaan Mazari-Hazir honored with the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award. The publishers Nadia Kandrusevich and Dmitri Strotsev received the IPA Prix Voltaire, awarded during a ceremony on Monday evening. WEXFO worked in close collaboration with IPA on both the award ceremony and the Democracies Depend on Reading program.
WEXFO is already preparing the next edition of the forum and has announced its new Program Committee for WEXPO 2026. The program committee consists of:
- Arizza Nocum
- Aage Borchgrevink
- Anne-Thea Haavind
- Felicia Anthonio
- Carlos Egaña
- Bokani King
- Anushani Alagarajah
- Sam Rechek
- Joakim Lie
- Reihane Taravati
- Khaled Emam
- Elisabeth Onsum
- Oksana Brovko
- Kristenn Einarsson
- Sarah McLaughlin
- Martijn David
To know more about WEXFO 2026, access this website.