While the global community faces challenges from declining trust and a fragile international system, Words Matter! 2026 brought together political leaders, young people, and faith communities in Oslo to focus on the opportunities for strengthening the foundations of democracy.
Panel discussions and keynotes will explored ways to modernize global cooperation, secure a permanent seat for youth in policy-making, and use interfaith dialogue to build more resilient societies.
Words Matter! 2026 took place at the Oslo Kongressenter Folkets Hus in Oslo, Norway, on 28 April 2026.
Program
08:00 – 08:45: Registration opens
08.45 – 09:00: Seating
09:00 – 09.25: Welcome
A warm welcome and introduction from The Oslo Center.
- John Inge Lovdal, CEO, The Oslo Center
- Kamzy Gunaratnam, Former Deputy Mayor of Oslo and Member of Parliament
- Fatima Gailani, Former President and Secretary General, Afghan Red Crescent Society
Fireside chat
- HE Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General, Muslim World League
- Moderator: Kamal Ahmed, Executive Editorial Director, Fortune, UK and Europe
09:40 – 10:10: State of Democracy 2026 globally and in Norway
Experts will examine the shifting global democratic landscape to pinpoint the specific factors currently straining the social contract and public confidence around the world.
- Staffan I. Lindberg, Professor and Founding Director, V-Dem Institute
- Carl Henrik Knudsen, Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
10:10 – 10:30: Reimagining democracy: Leadership for a changing world
A Fireside chat and Q&A with the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
- The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017 – 2023)
10:30 – 10:50: Coffee break
10:50 – 11:45: Strengthening global governance in the Age of Transition
Leaders and youth representaives will explore how to rebuild international cooperation, ensuring our institutions are strong enough to remain effective and credible despite growing geopolitical rivalries.
- Anu Juvonen, Executive Director of Demo Finland, President of European Partnership for Democracy and OSCE Special Representatives on Civil Society
- Jonas Andersen Sayed, Member of Parliament, the Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)
- Lars H. Svendsen, Professor of philosophy, University of Bergen and Civita
- Marianne Dahl, Research Director at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
- Toril Pedersen, Director, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
- Moderator: Kamal Ahmed, Executive Editorial Director, Fortune, UK and Europe
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Global governance institutions face mounting pressure from geopolitical rivalry, unilateralism, and declining public trust. Periodic disengagement by major powers, including challenges to the authority and funding of multilateral bodies, has weakened collective responses to democratic backsliding and conflict. This session brings global leaders into dialogue with the digital generation to examine what reform, renewal, and inclusive leadership are required to ensure multilateralism remains effective and credible. Discussion will explore:
- What reforms are essential to restore trust and effectiveness in multilateral institutions
- How can global governance balance national sovereignty with collective responsibility?
- What are the long-term implications of political and financial undermining of international bodies
- How can youth perspectives be embedded meaningfully in global governance reform?
Speakers: To be announced
11:45– 12:30: The role of religious leaders in rebuilding and reconciliation
Leading religious and faith leaders will explore how religion can play a role in bridging deep social divides, and foster the empathy needed to rebuild communities where political systems have fractured.
- Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue
- Rev. Einar Tjelle, International Director, Church of Norway
- Arne Sæverås, Senior Advisor Norwegian Church Aid
- Moderator: Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Religion and Society, King’s College London
- More speakers to be announced
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Religious leaders and faith communities hold enduring moral authority and social reach, particularly in societies affected by conflict and division. In a polarized global environment, interfaith dialogue can foster empathy, civic trust, and reconciliation. This session examines how faith leaders can contribute responsibly to peacebuilding, ethical leadership, and social cohesion and how this can complement secular governance and multilateral efforts. Discussion will explore:
- How can faith leaders help heal divisions where political institutions fall short?
- What role can interfaith collaboration play in countering extremism and polarization?
- How can religious diplomacy support peace without undermining secular governance?
- How can faith leaders partner with youth and civil society to rebuild trust?
12:30 – 13:30: Lunch & engagement in the lobby
13:30 – 15:00: Young voices building a new today
As young leaders around the world actively reshape democracy, this session will hear their thoughts on ways to move from consultation to true shared authority, ensuring that current and future generations have the structural power to build upon the democratic promise.
- Ana Mosiashvili, Research and Programmes Manager, European Partnership for Democracy
- HE Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General, Muslim World League
- Emma Lacina-Moser, Youth Development Lead, King’s Trust
- Fabian Wahl Sandvold, Central Board Member, AUF (Workers’ Youth League)
- Maria Strand Munkhaug, Central Board Member and Responsible for International Engagement and Cooperation in Unge Høyre (Young Conservative)
- Stine Renate Håheim, State Secretary to the Minister of International Development of Norway
- Jakob Øvensen Aanderaa, President, Norwegian Children and Youth Council (LNU)
- Sirianne Dahlum, Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo
- Moderator: Emil Andre Erstad, Chief Editor, Panorama News
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Young people and youth leaders are driving change across the world, demanding accountability, justice, and policy reform in environments marked by polarization and disinformation. Despite their influence, young people remain underrepresented in formal decision-making. This session highlights youth leaders translating grassroots mobilization into measurable impact and explores how intergenerational collaboration can strengthen democratic resilience. Discussion will explore:
- How can youth led movements gain sustained access to policy making spaces?
- What tools best counter disinformation and civic disengagement among younger generations?
- How can institutions move beyond consultation toward shared decision making with youth?
- What could Norway as a country do and what role can Norway play globally to secure youths participation?
- A presentation of the Global Youth Participation Index by European Partnership for Democracy.
- A presentation on the Gen Z/global youth movements as a phenomenon; what it is and what it has achieved.
- A short documentary from the Youth Inclusion Lab.
The session will also include:
- A presentation of the Global Youth Participation Index by European Partnership for Democracy.
- A presentation on the Gen Z/global youth movements as a phenomenon; what it is and what it has achieved.
- A short documentary from the Youth Inclusion Lab.
15:30 – 15:15: Coffee break
15:15 – 16:00: The view from space: An Astronaut’s perspective
Jannicke Mikkelsen will highlight specific steps for translating high-level dialogue into measurable improvements for democracy and global cooperation.
- Jannicke Mikkelsen, Norwegian Astronaut and Filmmaker
16:00- 16:15: Closing remarks
- Finn Jarle Rode, Chairman, The Oslo Center