91st PI Congress Report | 2–5 Sept | Krakow, Poland
- Dana Mojzisova
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
The 91st PEN International Congress in Krakow was a truly special occasion—an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Thank you so much for being part of it. It was an incredibly stimulating week, filled with lively discussions, inspiring ideas, and a shared commitment to our work. We look forward to continuing the important conversations and actions we began there.
Key Moments from Krakow
The re-election of Arne Svingen as International Secretary
The election of Mads Julius Elf and re-election of Beatrice Lamwaka, Gabriel Seisdedos, and Tanja Tuma as International Board Members
The election of Olga Tokarczuk as Vice President
The election of Ann Lee to the Search Committee
The re-election of Germán Rojas as Chair of the Writers for Peace Committee
The election of Ayi Renaud Dossavi as Chair of the Young Writers Committee
We extend our thanks to all candidates who stood for election, as well as to the outgoing officials for their dedicated service and hard work.
We were also proud to welcome the newest PEN Centres: PEN Syria, Low German and Frisian PEN, PEN Languages of Russia, and PEN Spain, all officially recognised by the Assembly.
During the Congress, the Assembly of Delegates adopted four significant resolutions https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15dg-fTzihPCxhp7svmjYprVAiG0o0M83?usp=drive_link
Manifesto on the Defence of Nature and Resolution on Climate Justice
Resolution on Free Expression in the United States
Resolution on Gender Diversity
Resolution on the Present International Disorder and the Breakdown of Peace – The Role of Writers
Additionally, amendments to the PEN International Constitution and Articles of Association were approved. These important changes reflect PEN International’s commitment to revising the legal documents that define our organisation in order to improve governance and transparency. This work has been undertaken not only to meet the requirements of British Charity law but also to better support our shared goals.
Here the “PEN in Numbers 2024” link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z_al_PeBaSbbGogEfZ5TTCygrJaKrn3k/view?usp=drive_link
Pictures
We are pleased to share a selection of images from the 91st PEN Congress: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cPgBFFignrD3gU5uN0rdH5wj14oIlVz4These official Congress images are managed and distributed by PEN International. If you have any questions regarding the images or their usage, please feel free to contact Sabrina Tucci, Communications and Campaigns Manager, at Sabrina.Tucci@pen-international.org.
The link to the opening ceremony with Olga Tokarczuk will be shared soon.
Planning for the Future
Looking ahead, we want to continue improving our Congress experience. Please share your feedback on this year's Congress, including observations and recommendations, by November 30. Your insights are invaluable for our future planning, helping us to deliver more impactful gatherings each year.
For those who couldn't join us in person or participated online, we truly missed your presence and look forward to connecting at the next Congress, which will be held online in September 2026. In the meantime, if you have questions about Congress materials or would like additional information, feel free to contact Sabrina Bravi, Congress & Events Officer, at Sabrina.Bravi@pen-international.org.
Thank you all once again for your dedication. A warm welcome to our newest members at PEN Syria, Low German and Frisian PEN, PEN Languages of Russia, and PEN Spain. Let us continue our work, united in the PEN spirit of one humanity living in peace and the vision of a world where freedom of expression—the right to create, to write and to read—is enjoyed by all.
For those who were unable to join us in Krakow or who participated online, we truly missed your presence and hope to see you at our next gathering.
Attached you will also find the election results.
Romana Cacchioli
Executive DirectorPEN International
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