What is the Oslo Freedom Forum?
Founded in 2009 by the Human Rights Foundation, the Oslo Freedom Forum is an annual gathering where dissidents, journalists, lawyers, artists, and technologists come to expose abuses, share strategies, and strengthen the global movement for freedom. Over 370 speakers from more than 100 countries have taken the stage across 27 editions. This 18th edition takes place June 1-3 at Oslo Konserthus.
This year's speakers
OFF gives a stage to those who paid a price for speaking out. Several confirmed speakers were released from arbitrary detention only months ago. The programme includes a panel on protecting lawyers defending democracy in closed societies, a session on journalists investigating state abuse despite communication shutdowns, and a stand-up comedy show by comedians living under regimes where free speech is punished.
3 things to remember
An interactive workshop will ask attendees to rank the strategies they believe matter most: mass mobilisation or institution-building, sanctions or solidarity, technology or transitional justice. Results feed directly into research mapping the strategic diversity of the global freedom movement.
Tihanovski spent nearly five years in Belarusian solitary confinement. He will speak on the fragility of regimes built on fear and isolation, and the role individuals can play in challenging systems that appear invincible. Camacho and Yirgalem Fisseha, who each endured years of detention on fabricated charges, will also take the mainstage.
Maria Corina Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful defence of democracy in Venezuela, now leads an international campaign pressing for free elections following Maduro's capture in January 2026. Alongside Felix Maradiaga, Rosa Maria Paya, and Bolivia's Foreign Minister, the panel will confront what genuine democratic transition requires.
Support Fondemos
Every donation helps us continue supporting democracy's defenders.
