In September 2025, PEN International concluded its 91st Congress in Kraków, Poland – hosted in partnership with Polish PEN – held under the banner “Freedom of Words – Words of the Free.” Congress serves as a reminder of the enduring power of literature to resist repression, to bear witness, and to imagine alternatives in the face of crisis. A delegation from English PEN travelled to Kraków to join colleagues from across the world.
“In a year defined by threats to freedom of expression and human rights – both in the UK and globally – we have witnessed human rights emergencies, unfolding against the backdrop of the climate crisis, the weaponisation of free speech terminology by far-right groups, and the introduction of UK legislation that undermined freedom of expression and human dignity.
Gathering as a global PEN community at the 91st Congress was a vital opportunity to reflect, share strategies, and renew our collective commitment to defending the right to write, to read, and to speak freely. The resolutions adopted address some of the most pressing issues of our time. They are a testament to the power of literature and human rights to confront and transform the world around us.”
–Daniel Gorman, Director of English PEN
PEN International’s statement:
Key decisions and announcements
The 91st Congress was marked by major decisions and announcements for the PEN movement, including the appointment of Olga Tokarczuk, literary giant, activist, and Nobel Prize-winning Polish author, as Vice President of PEN International.
At its Assembly of Delegates, PEN International adopted four urgent resolutions. These have: called on writers to defend human rights and free expression amid rampant authoritarianism and global conflict; urged writers and governments to address the climate crisis as the human rights issue of our time; affirmed the protection of trans and gender-diverse people’s right to free expression and inclusion; and defended free expression in the United States.
In addition, delegates approved a Manifesto on the Protection of Climate, signed by award-winning writers including Burhan Sonmez, Jennifer Clement, and Olga Tokarczuk, among others. The manifesto underscored the urgency of the climate emergency and its inextricable link to freedom of expression and human rights.
Final key moments included the re-election of Arne Svingen as International Secretary, and the election of Mads Julius Elf as Board Member. PEN Spain, PEN Languages of Russia, Low German and Frisian PEN, and PEN Syria, were officially recognised as the newest PEN Centres.
As part of this year’s Congress, PEN Poland celebrated its Centenary, marking 100 years of dedicated literary activism and a steadfast commitment to defending freedom of expression.
Note to Editors:
For more information and media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager, [email protected]
Photo credit: Olga Tokarczuk and Burhan Sonmez at the 91st PEN Congress by Katarzyna Kukielka.