An exciting and ambitious series of discussions take place in Scotland’s capital city this summer, stimulating a debate which will reverberate around the world

The conversation begins at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where 50 world renowned writers will gather every afternoon from 17-21 August 2012 to discuss the five topics that almost brought writers to blows during the infamous Writers’ Conference of 1962.

The topics under discussion aim to illuminate how writing and the imagination are an essential component of society: 'A National Literature?' will be delivered by Scotsman Irvine Welsh, 'Censorship Today' will be explored by Patrick Ness, and 'Should Literature be Political?' will be presented by Egyptian writer Ahdaf Soueif, for example.

Each session will be chaired by an internationally renowned writer who will open up the debate to delegates and audience, both live and online.

After launching in Edinburgh, the World Writers’ Conference will go on to visit 15 different cities over the following 12 months, giving writers in different countries the chance to add their voice to the growing debate about writing and its relationship to contemporary life.

The conversation will continue online, on the Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference website, with live broadcasts of the events in Edinburgh, videos of the international events and plenty of opportunities to have your say.

Finally, the event will return to the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2013, when highlights from the past year will be assembled in a landmark book about writing today.

Watch this space for regularly updated information.