From June 1-6, 2009 the Global Forum on Freedom of Expression was held in Oslo, Norway. During the first two days of events closed membership sessions were conducted for PEN Club, Human Rights House Network and the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX). On Wednesday, June 3, the event opened to the public. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Store, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, and Afghanistan Parliamentarian Malalai Joya participated in the opening ceremony.
Two staff members from the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety, director Emin Huseynov and coordinator Sarah Paulsworth, represented Azerbaijan at the event, as well as Association to Protect Women’s Rights Director Novella Jafaroglu and Azerbaijan Human Rights Center Director Eldar Zeynalov. They exchanged ideas and experiences on how to improve and protect freedom of expression with other human rights activists from around the world.
The forum had more than 500 participants, 230 organizations, representatives from 103 countries, 29 training workshops, 28 seminars, 4 free expression network meetings, 3 awards, 3 lectures, 3 films, 3 performances and 2 exhibitions.