Norway will mark Rare Disease Day 2026 with a national conference on 27 February 2026, bringing together people with rare diagnoses, relatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from patient organisations.

The main event will take place at the Oslo Congress Centre from 10:00 to 15:30, under the theme:

“Competence – when lived experience meets professional expertise.”

The programme explores how knowledge is built and shared at the intersection of experience and clinical, legal, and scientific expertise. Key topics include patient rights for people with rare diseases, health literacy, transitions within the healthcare system, and the role of national professional networks in strengthening competence and continuity of care. The day combines keynote presentations, panel discussions, and dialogue-based sessions that place lived experience and professional knowledge on equal footing.

In addition to the national conference in Oslo, Rare Disease Day 2026 will also be marked through a range of local and regional events in other Norwegian cities, organised by competence centres, patient organisations, and partners across the country. Together, these activities reflect a strong national commitment to visibility, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing within the rare disease field.

The Norwegian events contribute to the broader European and global Rare Disease Day campaign and align with JARDIN’s objectives of strengthening collaboration, competence, and communication across borders.

Organisation of Rare Disease Day in Norway

Rare Disease Day in Norway is jointly organised by The Norwegian Federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (FFO), Young Disabled, and National Centre for Rare Diseases.

FFO is Norway’s largest umbrella organisation, with 88 member organisations representing people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare diagnoses, as well as their relatives. FFO works to promote full social equality and participation for people with disabilities and chronic conditions across all areas of society. Young Disabled represents young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, ensuring that youth perspectives, rights, and lived experiences are central to policy development and public debate. The National Centre for Rare Diseases contributes professional, clinical, and system-level expertise, supporting coordination, knowledge development, and dissemination across the rare disease field.

Together, the organisers combine advocacy, lived experience, and professional competence to deliver a strong, inclusive, and knowledge-based Rare Disease Day in Norway.