Europe’s flagship event for democratic values and global dialogue
With delegates from across the globe and a diverse lineup of international speakers, Words Matter! has become one of the leading gatherings on strengthening democratic values worldwide. In its third annual edition, Words Matter! 2026 will bring together advocates, policymakers, community voices, and young leaders in Oslo under the theme “Dialogue in Action: How to Rebuild a Fractured World.”
Words Matter! 2026 will take place at Oslo Kongressenter Folkets Hus in Oslo, Norway, on 28 April 2026.
Announced speakers
Speakers will explore how to rebuild trust in a fractured world, focusing on how the digital generation can bridge the gap with decision-makers to turn dialogue into concrete action for democracy and peace.
Additional speakers will be announced in the run up to Words Matter! 2026.
Lars Svendsen
Norwegian philosopher and Professor of Philosophy, University of Bergen
Ana Mosiashvili
Research and Programmes Manager, European Partnership for Democracy
Staffan Lindeburg
Professor and Founding Director, V-Dem Institute; PI of Varieties of Democracy; Founding Director, National Research Infrastructure DEMSCORE
Sirianne Dahlum
Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
Finn Jarle Rode
Chairman, The Oslo Center
Toril Pedersen
Director, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
Carl Henrik Knutsen
Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
John Lovdal
CEO, The Oslo Center
Become a Student Ambassador
Are you a student in Norway passionate about democracy, civic discourse, and global dialogue?
The Oslo Center is looking for several engaged, ambitious Norwegian students to join our official Ambassador Cohort. This specialized program is designed for those who want to dive deep into the conference themes, working alongside global leaders and experts to help capture and drive the dialogue.
Applicants must be current university students in Norway and between 18 and 30 years old. Applications close 27 February.
A look back at 2025
Words Matter! 2025 brought together global leaders, community advocates, religious leaders, and experts to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges facing democracy and the growing threat of disinformation. Speakers included Sir Nick Clegg, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Jessica Cecil, Sasha Havlicek, and Ane Breivik, among many others.
