Report on Participation in the IX Regional Meeting of PEN Centers in Kyiv

Participant: Said Khatibi
Institution: PEN Slovenia
Place: Kyiv, Ukraine
Date: 27–31 October 2025

1. Introduction

This report summarizes the participation of PEN Slovenia in the IX Regional Meeting of PEN Centers, held in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 27 to 31 October 2025. The event brought together representatives from several PEN Centers, including PEN Norway, PEN Basque, PEN Spain, PEN Canada, PEN Belgium, and the PEN International Writers in Prison Committee.

2. Purpose of Participation

The participation of PEN Slovenia represented an act of solidarity and support for Ukraine, a country facing ongoing military aggression from Russia. The delegation expressed its support for Ukrainian writers, artists, and the Ukrainian people during this difficult time.

3. Program and Activities

Throughout the meeting, participants visited several Ukrainian institutions working in the field of human rights, including the Center for Civil Liberties (recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize) and the Voices of Children Foundation.

Despite frequent air attacks, particularly at night, which forced participants to spend one night in a shelter, the program continued. During one such air raid, a meeting was held in a shelter, where PEN Slovenia presented its activities — emphasizing its role as a defender of freedom of expression, its support for writers in exile, and its efforts to promote literature.

PEN Slovenia also visited several liberated villages, some of which had experienced Russian occupation for months. There, the delegation met survivors and witnesses of the war, listening to their testimonies. In addition, a meeting was held with the Representative of the Government of Crimea in Kyiv, where PEN Slovenia expressed its support for the people of Crimea, who have lived under occupation since 2014.

4. Observations and Impressions

The meeting provided a first-hand understanding of the harsh living conditions faced by Ukrainians during the war. The resilience and determination of Ukrainian writers, artists, and human rights defenders were deeply moving. The solidarity expressed by PEN Slovenia was warmly welcomed both by Ukrainian partners and by other PEN Centers attending the meeting.

5. Outcomes and Future Steps

Upon returning from Kyiv, PEN Slovenia plans to publish a comprehensive report in the Slovenian press, highlighting the situation in Ukraine, the courage of its people, and the ongoing solidarity shown by PEN Slovenia.

This participation strengthened PEN Slovenia’s commitment to defending freedom of expression, supporting writers in danger, and advocating for peace and justice in the region.

_{* Photo by Said Khatibi}