Writers to Explore Journalism, Literature as Tools for Building Peaceful Society

By Benson Daniel

Writers, journalists, publishers, scholars and other literary professionals are set to explore how journalism and literature can be used to promote peace, social harmony and a more humane society.

The discussion is expected to bring together professionals from different areas of the creative and intellectual community as part of efforts to examine the responsibility of writers in addressing social tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The programme, titled “Pen for Peace: Harnessing Journalism and Literature for a More Humane Society,” is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm via an online platform.

The event is the 16th edition of Authors’ Hub’s monthly panel discussion and will provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and experiences on the role of writing in shaping public attitudes and encouraging respect for humanity.

The Founder and Coordinator of Authors’ Hub, Sumaila Isah Umaisha, who will host the discussion, said the initiative is designed to encourage writers and thinkers to pay greater attention to humanity and explore practical ways of using their work to promote peaceful coexistence.

The organisers believe journalism and literature have considerable influence on how people understand social issues, conflicts and communities. Through responsible reporting and thoughtful storytelling, writers can help challenge stereotypes, encourage dialogue and create greater understanding among people from different backgrounds.

Journalists, in particular, play an important role in shaping public discourse because the way information is reported can influence how audiences perceive conflicts and the people involved. Accurate and responsible reporting can help reduce tension, while sensational or inflammatory coverage can worsen existing divisions.

Literature also provides an avenue for writers to explore human experiences and social challenges in ways that can encourage empathy. Stories, novels, poems and other literary works can expose readers to different perspectives and help them understand experiences outside their immediate communities.

The organisers are therefore expected to encourage participants to consider how their creative and professional work can contribute to a culture of tolerance, dialogue and peaceful engagement.

The discussion comes at a time when societies across the world continue to grapple with conflicts, misinformation, intolerance and growing divisions. These challenges have increased the importance of responsible communication and the ability of writers to address sensitive issues without deepening social tensions.

The gathering is expected to feature experienced personalities from the literary and journalism communities who will share their perspectives on the relationship between writing, humanity and peacebuilding.

Beyond the panel discussion, the initiative could also encourage writers to develop stories and journalistic works that promote social responsibility and constructive dialogue.

For Nigeria, where ethnic, religious, political and social differences can sometimes create tensions, the role of writers in promoting understanding remains particularly important.

The organisers are expected to use the platform to challenge writers to look beyond simply documenting events and consider the wider social impact of their words.

By bringing journalists and literary practitioners together, the programme aims to strengthen the understanding that the pen can serve not only as an instrument for informing and entertaining society but also as a powerful tool for encouraging peace and human dignity.