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Accepted Contribution:

Freedom of expression as a catalyst for resilient development during crises  
Chukwuemeke Buzome (Delta State University)

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Contribution short abstract:

The development of resilience demands free expression along with crises-periods. Through free exchange of information it creates environments for direct conversations which function alongside auditing protocols and actionable strategy development alongside misinformation suppression.

Contribution long abstract:

Freedom of expression serves as a cornerstone for resilient development, particularly during periods of crisis. Freedom of expression is crucial in fostering resilient development during crises by enabling open dialogue, accountability, and informed decision-making. The correlation between freedom of expression and development is historically important. The paper looks at the complicated connection between freedom of expression and the ability of societies to bounce back from problems. It looks at how the free flow of information encourages adaptive strategies, creativity, and group problem-solving during times of trouble. The study demonstrates how free communication platforms help communities overcome financial struggles, government disruptions, and health dangers through real-world examples and academic research models. The paper reveals that suppressed expression acts as a catalyst for crisis escalation by examining historical events and the concurrent impact of strong communication networks as forces of recovery and economic stability. Freedom of expression stands both as a fundamental democratic principle while simultaneously proving essential for developmental sustainability.The mechanism delivers accountability while enhancing public trust and reducing misinformation flow, which remains crucial during emergencies.The paper identifies three key barriers to free speech, including censorship, propaganda, and digital fragmentation while presenting viable solutions to defend this right across multiple political contexts. The conclusion emphasises specific solutions for protecting expression rights across different sociopolitical circumstances. Consistent with previous findings, the report argues that expressing freedom must be marked as a core strategic issue by policymakers, development practitioners, and civil society members who plan to build resilient communities that sustain through crises.

Workshop PE01
Inclusive narratives in crisis: freedom of expression as a tool for development
  Session 1