Fight for the word: Pen annual conference in Darmstadt for author rights!

Fight for the word: Pen annual conference in Darmstadt for author rights!

Darmstadt, Deutschland - The preparations for the annual conference of the German Pen Center are in the starting blocks, which takes place in Darmstadt from June 23 to 29, 2025. This event is a significant step in promoting the freedom of the word and brings solutions and discussions about author rights to the agenda. Mayor Hanno Benz sums it up: freedom of expression is in danger from populism and other challenges. In this spirit, the conference will offer a platform on which these essential topics are treated.

A highlight of the event is the festive event for the 20th anniversary of the Poseidon literary group, which will take place on June 23 at 7 p.m. in the Literaturhaus Darmstadt. However, this is only the beginning: On June 26, a reading world record attempt in the Merck Stadium will be carried out with around 2,000 pupils from over 50 nations. In addition, Olaf Zimmermann will talk about “cultural policy and literature” at 8 p.m. in the Centralstation. Finally, a discussion follows with Mayor Benz and the writer Klaus-Peter Wolf, moderated by WDR journalist Cornelia Wegerhoff. This program focuses on a clear focus on freedom of literature, democracy and the challenges that authors worldwide, such as [PEN Germany] (https://www.pen-deutschland.de/pen-jahrstagung-2025-in---darmstadt-kulti- Literature- and-die-des-wortes/) emphasized.

a historical review of the Pen

The Pen, which originally founded itself in London in 1921, and the German Pen Center, which followed in 1924, took over the mission to promote international understanding, which was particularly necessary according to the hostilities of the First World War. The first president, John Galsworthy, had proclaimed an apolitical orientation, which quickly turned out to be illusory. At a pen congress in 1933, there were conflicts between Nazi opponents and a diligent delegation. The result was the dissolution of the German Pen by the National Socialists in 1934 and the foundation of the German exile-Pen in London to support persecuted writers, according to Deutschlandfunk Kultur.

The political arguments remained a central point even after the new beginning of 1948. Under President Heinrich Böll, there were violent discussions during his term from 1971 to 1974. The reunification of the East and West clubs in 1998 was another significant milestone. In 2022 there were again tensions under the presidency of Deniz Yücel, which advocated a sharp political course, which led to the foundation of Pen Berlin. This institution now has around 650 members and has been represented in the International Pen Association since autumn 2023.

The challenges of freedom of expression in Germany

A recently carried out study by the Pen Center Germany together with the Institute for Media Research at the University of Rostock illustrates the alarming results on freedom of expression in Germany. Around three quarters of the 526 writers surveyed are concerned about the current situation. The study shows that every second questioned person has experienced attacks and many restrict their creative work accordingly. It is particularly alarming that many authors are traveling their activities on social media for fear of negative reactions. This development makes it clear that the pressure on the freedom of the literary work is increasing, such as [PHF Rostock] (https://www.phf.uni-rostock.de/aktuelles/nachrichten-aus-der-philosophischen-fakultaet/aktuelles/detailansic HT-der-News/N/Self-and-Selfbenstur-Epen-Studie-Obstebart-alarms-results-ZuR-Freight-In-Deutschland-36281/) reported.

The Secretary General of the Pen Center Germany, Carlos Collado Seidel, is concerned about these results and emphasizes the need to strengthen the writer's voice. Prof. Elizabeth Prommer from the University of Rostock emphasizes how important it is that writers are heard and share their reports in order to keep the debate about freedom of expression alive. Against the background of these challenges, the annual conference in Darmstadt is more important than ever.