Democracy and freedom of expression are expensively bought with human lives. They are best honored by wielding them, knocking a shield around and protecting without conflict. It is our role to stand up and step forward, to encourage people to continue to admire, to examine our own teachings and feelings, to listen to our village in the small and large context and thus follow existence step by step - but always together. 

We should protect democracy by practicing it - without conflict. It is natural and self-evident in Iceland that people stand up and step forward, give themselves a chance and have equal opportunities to be a voice in society and a contemporary mirror. Our example is that we grant these human rights, protect them and show gratitude, encouragement and support to people who want to serve us.

DEMOCRACY

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize with Dmitry Muratov for "the protection of freedom of expression, which is a prerequisite for democracy and peace". She came to Iceland in 2019 and it became a saying: "a lie in the Philippines is a lie in Iceland in the same second on the Internet". These words have stuck with me ever since. At the 2023 United Nations Women's Congress, there was a lot of discussion about how technology could be both good for democracy and also a coercion.  There is a huge gender gap in technology that has a negative impact on social development around the world as well as the participation of women in the public sphere. Equality remains stagnant or declining in the global village, in some places for decades. For example, women are less likely to apply or leave public service, which is both prudent and harmful to societies. This trend will not end and it is our job to ensure that freedom of expression and its importance is respected in Iceland.

Freedom of expression is two words; expression and freedom. Words are everything first and it is extremely important that people train critical thinking through positive and reflective communication. Creating a society that is rapidly changing and mixing forces us to look inward and ask, "What kind of society do I want to live in?" How can I help create it? What is the truth and how did we get to it?” Expression also means standing up for oneself and one's values. Freedom comes with responsibility, trust and space to speak your mind. It is a necessary sign of a nation's maturity to dare to talk about challenging issues. Space and time must be provided for this. The depth, and thus the lesson, is hidden there. 

Choice is power and we are able to create our own future with what we choose. Live the Society we desire to live in. That is how we deal with the challenges we face in unity and solidarity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Ressa 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Muratov 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

A byproduct of a multicultural society is that more glass ceilings are inevitably created. Not only is the language a shackle for immigrants, we also underestimate the skills and knowledge of those who immigrate to the country, and we are often slow to include the country's residents in jobs and positions regardless of demographics. It is a serious leak in my mind that we need to deal with together and fix.

It is thanks to the government's courage and competence that equality is the best in the world for 14 years in a row. However, we can do much better. The coming times demand that we need all hands on deck - united and with as equal an opportunity as possible.  The way to pursue equality is not only formative legislation as in our equality journey, but also through sympathy, cooperation and solidarity. We will do very well when we feel in our hearts that diversity is the key to prosperity, progress and peace.

Sometimes, therefore, democracy and freedom of expression in every respect with the glasses of equality on the nose. Let's practice relentlessly. Practice makes perfect.

Madam President serves all the country's people regardless of demographics – age, gender and origin – with care and concern for the vulnerable groups who do not generate income; the young, the old and the sick, and not least those precious persons who come here but do not have citizenship rights - yet. Just as flourishing in the arts is a measure of the richness of a society, the strength of a society is best measured by how we care for vulnerable groups. We are never stronger than the weakest link.

EQUALITY