4 From principle to practice

As this strategy demonstrates, the Norwegian Government works continuously across various fronts to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure a well-functioning public sphere. Numerous ministries and agencies are involved, and the Government’s efforts complement and align with initiatives by civil society, the business sector and individual citizens.

The Government’s efforts in freedom of expression are ongoing and extend beyond this strategy. The primary purpose of the strategy is to establish principles for, and highlight, the Government’s overall work in the area of freedom of expression. The priority areas and measures presented represent a selection and a current snapshot of ongoing work. More initiatives and measures will be presented on an ongoing basis on a page dedicated to freedom of expression on the Government website, regjeringen.no.

The Government will facilitate political debate on these topics, including through oral reports to the Storting on the status of freedom of expression and the efforts in promoting open and enlightened public discourse.

The aim is also that the strategy itself will contribute to open and enlightened public discourse on freedom of expression, the culture of expression and expression preparedness in the period ahead.