June 29 - July 3, WALTIC, Stockholm

I will perform at the Opening Ceremony, and do a presentation in the Stories And Best Practices program, of the first ever Writers and Literary Translators International Congress.

Between 29 June and 2 July 2008, more than one thousand writers, translators and scholars will gather for a manifestation of the value of words and in support of human rights.

The WALTIC point of departure is that literature is a source of knowledge with political strength. The written word and the inherent power of the narrative are cornerstones of modern society. The writers of the world play an important role as mediators of knowledge, creators of opinion and achievers of public change.

Hosted by the Swedish Writers' Union, WALTIC will focus on three urgent global issues: Literacy, Intercultural dialogue and Digitalisation. The program offers a wealth of seminars, lectures and best practices. Among the speakers (an equal number of men and women) you will find world famous writers and literary translators as well as leading scholars and innovative poets.

WALTIC will take a stand to:
• Increase literacy
• Safeguard freedom of expression
• Strengthen authors' rights