In 2025, the 91st PEN International Congress in Kraków passed a resolution on the role of writers during a breakdown of peace and international order, and the urgent need for an active opposition. On the 25th Augist 2025, as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Viv Groskop (PEN International Writers Circle) spoke to writers Sabrin Hasbun, and Tahmima Anam about the vital role of writers to defend facts, propel empathy, and hold governments accountable in a time of authoritarianism, disinformation, and inequality.
Event page accessible here: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/events/first-edition-pen-international
Channel 4 had a small segment on the evening news which can be found here: https://www.channel4.com/news/writers-on-importance-of-books-in-the-age-of-smartphones-and-ai