[Mis]information in Progress!
The Local Challenge
Malmö lacks safe, inclusive spaces where citizens can openly examine and resist the growing crisis of foreign influence campaigns. Since 2022, Sweden has been targeted by disinformation around social services, religion, and democracy—mostly aimed at residents of foreign origin. Spread via social media, these campaigns erode trust in institutions, fuel cultural conflicts, and endanger public service workers. In Malmö, where a third of the population is born abroad, such disinformation has deepened divisions and undermined civic cohesion. Creating spaces for learning and dialogue about digital misinformation is urgent to counter polarization and protect democratic life.
The Initiative
The Dawit Isaak Library and PEN Skåne invite Malmö’s diverse communities to join [Mis]information in Progress!, a public discussion series on truth, freedom, and digital influence. Between September 2025 and January 2026, five events bring together journalists, researchers, writers, and activists to explore conspiracy theories, information warfare, AI-driven media, and global threats to free expression. Each dialogue focuses on clarity and critical thinking, offering residents the chance to question, debate, and learn together. Hosted in the library—a space dedicated to banned and censored voices worldwide—the series combines civic education with lived community experience, sparking essential conversations about trust, democracy, and freedom of speech.
What’s Next?
Through [Mis]information in Progress!, participants will develop skills to recognise and resist misinformation, gain new trust in independent experts, and deepen their understanding of how influence campaigns work. Residents who may have felt isolated by targeted narratives—such as asylum seekers, minorities, or elderly citizens—will find a safe space to learn and exchange perspectives. The Dawit Isaak Library will strengthen its role as Malmö’s hub for dialogue, cultural freedom, and democratic engagement. By building connections across groups and fostering resilience against manipulation, the project will not only attract new audiences but also expand meaningful conversations that reinforce social trust.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
