The achievement of peace is the world’s biggest challenge. National, sectarian, ethnic and racial confrontations are global issues which affect us all. PEN believes that writers can and should help to reduce tensions and contribute to mutual understanding.

In many respects the aims of International PEN’S peace committee underpin all other activities. They include:

• Investigating and understanding the roots of conflict
• Exploring the nature of peace literature and how it can be promoted
• Building cross-cultural communications

The key aims of Scottish PEN’s committee are to champion freedom of expression, usually the first casualty of war, and to foster writing that contributes to a culture of peace and genuine understanding.