PEN America announce 2026 World Voices festival with Judith Butler and Bill McKibben

The revival of the World Voices festival is a significant move for PEN America, especially following the backlash that led to the cancellation of the previous event. By emphasizing the festival as a platform for unity and free expression, PEN is not only reaffirming its mission but also responding to the growing concerns about censorship and the role of literature in addressing global issues. The inclusion of diverse voices in 2026 may serve as a counter-narrative to the polarization seen in recent years.