While the global community faces challenges from declining trust and a fragile international system, Words Matter! 2026 will bring 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 explore ways to modernize global cooperation, secure a permanent seat for youth in policy-making, and use interfaith dialogue to build more resilient societies.
The program will continue to be updated.
Words Matter! 2026 will take place at the Oslo Kongressenter Folkets Hus in Oslo, Norway, on 28 April 2026.
Early program
08:00 – 08:45: Registration opens
08.45 – 09:00: Seating
09:00 – 09.15: Welcome
A warm welcome and introduction from The Olso Center.
09:15 – 09:35: A look at the global state of democracy
Experts will examine the shifting global democratic landscape to pinpoint the specific factors currently straining the social contract and public confidence around the world.
- Speakers: To be announced
9:35 – 10:15: Fireside chat with Jacinda Ardern
A discussion with the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
- Speaker: Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017 – 2023)
10:15 – 11:30: 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.
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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
11:30 – 11:50: Coffee break
11:50 – 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.
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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 break
13:30 – 14:30: Young people building a better 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.
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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.
14:30 – 15:00: Closing remark and ‘The view from space: An extended perspective’
Participants and Jannicke Mikkelsen will summarize the day’s findings and highlight specific steps for translating high-level dialogue into measurable improvements for democracy and global cooperation.
- Speaker: Jannicke Mikkelsen, Astronaut and Filmmaker