25+ speakers. 100's of delegates. 1 incredible day.
Thank you to everyone for making Words Matter 2026 such a powerful showcase of dialogue and connection!
From rethinking how we use power, to hearing the incomparable perspective of young people in leadership, yesterday in Oslo reminded us that common ground isn’t just found, it’s built through the words and actions we choose every day. We’ve seen firsthand that when we come together to bridge divides, we can start to rebuild a more unified world.
The conference is over, but the work continues. See you out there!
View the official photos
View the official photo gallery from Words Matter! 2026.
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 brought 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 took place at Oslo Kongressenter Folkets Hus in Oslo, Norway, on 28 April 2026.
Meet the speakers
Speakers explored 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.
The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017 – 2023)
Lars Svendsen
Professor of Philosophy, University of Bergen and Civita
Ana Mosiashvili
Research and Programmes Manager, European Partnership for Democracy
Staffan I. Lindberg
Professor and Founding Director, V-Dem Institute
Kamzy Gunaratnam
Norwegian Parliament Member and former Deputy Mayor of Oslo.
Sirianne Dahlum
Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
Fatima Gailani
Former President and Secretary General, Afghan Red Crescent Society
Jannicke Mikkelsen
Astronaut and filmmaker
Emma Lacina-Moser
Youth Development Lead, King’s Trust
Jonas Andersen Sayed
Member of Parliament, the Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)
Anu Juvonen
Executive Director of Demo Finland, President of European Partnership for Democracy and OSCE Special Representatives on Civil Society
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner
Rabbi, Bromley Reform Synagogue; Former Senior Rabbi, Reform Judaism (2011 to 2020)
Rev. Einar Tjelle
International Director, Church of Norway
Marianne Dahl
Research Director at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Jakob Øvensen Aanderaa
President, Norwegian Children and Youth Council (LNU)
Fabian Wahl Sandvold
Central Board Member, AUF (Workers’ Youth League)
Stine Renate Håheim
State Secretary to the Minister of International Development of Norway
Maria Strand Munkhaug
Central Board Member and Responsible for International Engagement and Cooperation in Unge Høyre (Norwegian Young Conservatives)
John Lovdal
CEO, The Oslo Center
Arne Sæverås
Senior Advisor, Norwegian Church Aid
HE Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
Secretary General, Muslim World League
Toril Pedersen
Director, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
Carl Henrik Knutsen
Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
Khimananda Devkota
Youth leader and General Secretary of Initiative for Civic Change Nepal (IFCC Nepal).
Finn Jarle Rode
Chairman, 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 are now closed.
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.
