Foreword

Freedom of expression is not just a right – it is the lifeblood of a vibrant democracy. It helps us to create the kind of society we want to be part of and to build bridges between people with different experiences, values and perspectives.

Our public discourse needs to not only tolerate disagreement, but also to value it; a society in which diverse voices are not only given space, but are listened to; where we do not retreat into silence, but engage with one another in a spirit of openness and curiosity.

In these times of rapid global change, and with technology, politics and culture more closely intertwined than ever before, we need to rethink how we live together – and how we communicate with one another. In this changing landscape, we need to re-examine and strengthen our understanding of freedom of expression.

The Norwegian Government is committed to building a society where everyone has a genuine opportunity to take part in the public discourse, and where freedom of expression is not merely a legal right but a lived reality, underpinned by knowledge, access and safety. It seeks a society where technology is used to strengthen our community rather than divide it, and where we work together to foster a culture of respectful dialogue, both with one another and about one another.

This strategy is a step in that direction. Rather than seeking to control public debate, it aims to strengthen it. Instead of restricting the space for expression, it seeks to make it more open, accessible and inclusive.

We are facing important choices. To safeguard and strengthen our democracy, we must invest in the foundations that sustain it: trust, participation and public discourse that is open and enlightened.

Lubna Jaffery – Minister of Culture and Equality