Dear members and fellow travellers Let me begin by thanking Hélène Jaccomard who kept this column going while I was away for the last three issues of the newsletter. While in Europe, I was reminded rather soberingly of the pointy end of PEN International’s work when I joined a meeting of key PEN centres toContinueContinue reading “Chair’s reflection – August 2026”
Tag Archives: war and peace
Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace
An invitation from PEN Perth Poems of war and peace have long given voice to humanity’s deepest fears, hopes and resilience. Poetry remains one of our most enduring responses to conflict, injustice and the search for peace. Poetry has always been one of humanity’s most enduring responses to war, injustice and hope. It records theContinueContinue reading “Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace”