Solhjell recently stepped down as director of NORAD and has already taken over as director of Fornybar Norge (Renewable Norway).

“I look forward to leading Fritt Ord at a time when freedom of expression is more relevant, more threatened and more important to defend than ever before,” remarked Solhjell.

A member of Fritt Ord’s board since 2017, Solhjell has served as deputy chair since 2018. After earning a degree in political science, he previously served two terms as a member of parliament representing the Socialist Left Party (SV). He was deputy leader of SV, and served as Minister of Education and Minister of the Environment in former Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg’s second government.

At Fritt Ord, Solhjell succeeds Grete Brochmann, professor at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo. She has chaired the Board since 2016.

“As freedom of expression weakens around us, the pressure on Norway builds. Accordingly, Fritt Ord is planning to significantly strengthen its international involvement. I look forward to putting my international experience to good use in this work.

“Free, independent foundations can play a crucial role in promoting free social debate, given their position between the private and public sectors,” according to Bård Vegar Solhjell.

“Technology and young people will be even more important for Fritt Ord going forward. The fight for freedom of expression must keep pace with the changes in society around us. The role of major technology companies in shaping debates and special interests, and new generations with a different relationship to both editorial media and freedom of expression, mean that Fritt Ord will focus more intently on these fields, and on how they come together in the lives of young people.

“It is wonderful to be able to pass the baton on to Mr. Solhjell. He has solid leadership experience and a clear understanding of the importance of freedom of expression under changing political conditions,” commented Fritt Ord’s outgoing chair Grete Brochmann.
“We are currently in the midst of a global struggle for freedom of expression, where Norway is still something of a safe haven, even though there are challenges here as well. During my tenure as chair, the centre of gravity has shifted from combatting a tendency toward conformity culture and cancellation to fundamental concern for the very existence of democracy itself. The far right is on the rise internationally, starkly highlighting the fundamental importance of supporting freedom of expression. Every day and in every way” concludes Brochmann.

Frank Rossavik, Sylo Taraku, Anine Kierulf, Bjarne Kveim Lie and Kjersti Gautestad Norheim are the other members of “Fritt Ord’s Board”: /nb/om/styre. Knut Olav Åmås is the executive director of Fritt Ord.