The Truth of Fiction and the Fiction of Reality: PEN International’s 89th Congress
19 September: Held online from 26 September to September 28, themed The Truth of Fiction and the Fiction of Reality, PEN International’s 89th Congress aims to delve into, question, and confront the evolving notions of truth and reality in our contemporary world, set against the backdrop of a growing tide of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
The 89th Congress’ highlights include two online events on Thursday, September 28th, featuring a diverse panel of high-profile speakers engaging in thought-provoking discussions about truth, fiction, the power of words, storytelling, and addressing misinformation and disinformation challenges. All events will be live streamed on PEN International Facebook channel.
THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 13:00-14:15 (UK time)
TRUTH OF FICTION: Writers Documenting Reality
In this captivating conversation, our panellists will delve into the art of capturing reality through storytelling. These authors will highlight the role of words in shedding light on the world's most pressing issues, and uncovering hidden truths often missed by conventional documentation.
Guest speakers: Philippe Sands, Volodymyr Yermolenko, Mirza Waheed, Christina Lamb.
Moderated by Olha Mukha.
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THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 14:30-14:45 (UK time)
FICTION OF REALITY: Misinformation and Disinformation
In the digital age, our reliance on online platforms fosters connections but also exposes us to misinformation and disinformation. This panel will discuss the impact of dis/misinformation on society, including its role in conflict and its potential to undermine our shared sense of reality, and how it can be addressed while protecting the right to freedom of expression.
Guest speakers: Htaike Htaike Aung, Odanga Madung, Peter Pomerantsev, Shannon Jankowski. Moderated by Salil Tripathi
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Other highlights include the election of a new International Treasurer, four Board Members, a new Search Committee Member, and a new Chair for the Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee. The two days will also see voting on a Resolution on Threats to Freedom of Expression, Peace, and Stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia; and closing remarks by President, Burhan Sonmez and International Secretary, Regula Venske.
Notes to editors
· Htaike Htaike Aung: Digital rights activist. Htaike Htaike Aung is a curator at the Myanmar Internet Project, which has been tracking developments in the country's digital space since the 2021 coup. Htaike Htaike Aung is also the founder of the Myanmar ICT for Development Organization (MIDO), one of the country's leading digital rights organisations, and was part of the 2018 campaign that pushed Facebook to change its content moderation policies in Myanmar.
· Christina Lamb: Foreign correspondent and bestselling author, focusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Lamb won five Foreign Correspondent of the Year awards and the Prix Bayeux, receiving an OBE in 2013. Currently, she is the Sunday Times of London's chief foreign correspondent, reporting globally, including on Yazidi women enslaved by ISIS.
· Odanga Madung: Journalist and data scientist. Odanga Madung is a Senior Researcher for elections and platform integrity at the Mozilla Foundation. His work has exposed disinformation-for-hire campaigns in Kenya and pushed social media platforms to react. A former DW Akademie Fellow, Odanga has written extensively on issues including the exploitation of content moderation algorithms and the increasing use of online disinformation to influence elections.
· Shannon Jankowski: Journalism and Disinformation Program Director at PEN America. Before joining PEN America, Jankowski was a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, where she led the organisations work on issues impacting news media, including anti-SLAPP laws, newsgathering torts, and other freedom of expression issues in the USA.
· Peter Pomerantsev: Journalist and writer. Pomerantsev is author of “This is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality” and is currently a senior fellow at John Hopkins University's SNF Agora Institute where he co-directs the Arena Initiative, a research project dedicated to overcoming the challenges of digital era disinformation and polarisation.
· Philippe Sands: Professor of Law and Director of the Centre on International Courts and Tribunals, specializing in public international law, dispute resolution, and environmental law. Sands is a frequent commentator on BBC and CNN, contributing to top newspapers, and a former President of English PEN.
· Mirza Waheed: Kashmiri-born writer, who gained acclaim with his debut novel, "The Collaborator." His second work, "The Book of Gold Leaves," received critical praise. "Tell Her Everything" was nominated for prestigious awards and won the Hindu Prize for Fiction 2019. Waheed has contributed to various prominent publications.
· Volodymyr Yermolenko: Ukrainian philosopher, journalist, and writer, serves as the President of PEN Ukraine and the Analytics Director at Internews Ukraine. Yermolenko is the Editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld.org, an Associate professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and co-host of the Kult podcast on cultural epochs and influential authors.
For further information, and for international press, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager, Sabrina.Tucci@pen-international.org