Brazil:
Ana Maria Gonçalves
Ana Maria Gonçalves (born 1970, Ibia, Minas Gerais) is a Brazilian writer and former professor of English who has dedicated herself to literature since 2002. She is best known for her novel “Um defeito de cor” (“A Colour Defect”, 2006), which won the Casa de las Américas Prize and was named one of the best Brazilian works of the decade by O Globo; her short stories have also been published in anthologies in Portugal and Italy. Gonçalves was awarded the Order of Rio Branco for her contributions to the anti-racist movement, and is also known as a playwright and social commentator. On July 10, 2025, she became the first Black woman member of the Brazilian Academy of Literature.
Russia:
Alexey Varlamov
Alexey Varlamov (born June 23, 1963, Moscow) is a Russian writer, publicist, Doctor of Philology, and professor. Since 2016, he has served as rector of the Maxim Gorky Literary Institute. A member of the Union of Russian Writers since 1993, he is the author of novellas and novels such as “The House in Ostozhye”, “Loch”, “Birth”, “September 11”, as well as biographies for the “Lives of Remarkable People” series. Varlamov is a laureate of the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Prize, the Big Book Award, the International “Writer of the 21st Century” Prize, and was granted the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (2024). He is also active as a researcher, teacher, and editor. His prose develops the traditions of Russian psychological literature, recreating—through diverse material—the stories of “little people” facing existential choices, thereby returning the humanistic theme to the center of contemporary culture.
Alexey Varlamov
Alexey Varlamov (born June 23, 1963, Moscow) is a Russian writer, publicist, Doctor of Philology, and professor. Since 2016, he has served as rector of the Maxim Gorky Literary Institute. A member of the Union of Russian Writers since 1993, he is the author of novellas and novels such as “The House in Ostozhye”, “Loch”, “Birth”, “September 11”, as well as biographies for the “Lives of Remarkable People” series. Varlamov is a laureate of the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Prize, the Big Book Award, the International “Writer of the 21st Century” Prize, and was granted the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (2024). He is also active as a researcher, teacher, and editor. His prose develops the traditions of Russian psychological literature, recreating—through diverse material—the stories of “little people” facing existential choices, thereby returning the humanistic theme to the center of contemporary culture.
India:
Sonu Saini
Sonu Saini (born April 18, 1984, Delhi, India) is a well-known Indian philologist-slavist, translator, teacher, writer, and poet; an honorary member of the Union of Writers of Russia, Doctor of Philology, and author of more than 15 books and 40 scientific articles. A gold medalist graduate of Delhi University, Saini holds three master’s degrees and a PhD in contemporary Russian literature. Since 2012, he has been a senior lecturer at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and is recognized as an expert in innovative methods of teaching Russian using modern technology. He has translated works by major Russian and Indian authors, has worked for over 15 years as a top-level simultaneous interpreter—including for the leadership of India and Russia—and has received numerous awards in both countries.
Sonu Saini
Sonu Saini (born April 18, 1984, Delhi, India) is a well-known Indian philologist-slavist, translator, teacher, writer, and poet; an honorary member of the Union of Writers of Russia, Doctor of Philology, and author of more than 15 books and 40 scientific articles. A gold medalist graduate of Delhi University, Saini holds three master’s degrees and a PhD in contemporary Russian literature. Since 2012, he has been a senior lecturer at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and is recognized as an expert in innovative methods of teaching Russian using modern technology. He has translated works by major Russian and Indian authors, has worked for over 15 years as a top-level simultaneous interpreter—including for the leadership of India and Russia—and has received numerous awards in both countries.
China:
Ma Boyong (马伯庸)
Ma Boyong (born November 14, 1980, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia) is one of the most renowned contemporary Chinese writers, as well as a commentator and blogger. He is known for his works in the genres of historical fiction, fantasy, and detective stories, all marked by a distinctive sense of humor. His most prominent books include the thriller The Longest Day in Chang’an (adapted for television), the spy novel The Wind Pavilion, the original historical-fantasy work The Three-Body Problem in Western Han, the satirical The Court Jester (Zhang-tao), and the nonfiction literary investigation The Great Ming Under the Microscope. He is a laureate of the prestigious People’s Literature Prize (2010), winner of the British Fantasy Award (2022), recipient of the “LiveLib Readers’ Choice” (2023), and was nominated for the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award (2024). Ma Boyong is a member of the Chinese Writers Association. He actively publishes and appears on Chinese online platforms, where he comments on history, culture, and society.
Ma Boyong (马伯庸)
Ma Boyong (born November 14, 1980, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia) is one of the most renowned contemporary Chinese writers, as well as a commentator and blogger. He is known for his works in the genres of historical fiction, fantasy, and detective stories, all marked by a distinctive sense of humor. His most prominent books include the thriller The Longest Day in Chang’an (adapted for television), the spy novel The Wind Pavilion, the original historical-fantasy work The Three-Body Problem in Western Han, the satirical The Court Jester (Zhang-tao), and the nonfiction literary investigation The Great Ming Under the Microscope. He is a laureate of the prestigious People’s Literature Prize (2010), winner of the British Fantasy Award (2022), recipient of the “LiveLib Readers’ Choice” (2023), and was nominated for the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award (2024). Ma Boyong is a member of the Chinese Writers Association. He actively publishes and appears on Chinese online platforms, where he comments on history, culture, and society.
South Africa:
Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta
Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta is a South African writer, poet, and cultural figure with a master’s degree in creative writing from Rhodes University. A recipient of the PanSALB Award for her contribution to multilingualism and cultural diversity, she founded the virtual Poetic Blues festival, whose anthologies have been published separately. Jafta works actively at the international level: she has participated in projects at the International Writing Center in Beijing, her poetry has been translated into Mandarin and published in China, and her book “Free State of Mind” has been adapted into braille and filmed. As the founder of the publishing house Sun Peo, she has published over 30 works (children’s books, anthologies, audiobooks, magazines), and she serves as Vice President of the National Writers Association of South Africa and is a member of the World Organization of Writers.
Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta
Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta is a South African writer, poet, and cultural figure with a master’s degree in creative writing from Rhodes University. A recipient of the PanSALB Award for her contribution to multilingualism and cultural diversity, she founded the virtual Poetic Blues festival, whose anthologies have been published separately. Jafta works actively at the international level: she has participated in projects at the International Writing Center in Beijing, her poetry has been translated into Mandarin and published in China, and her book “Free State of Mind” has been adapted into braille and filmed. As the founder of the publishing house Sun Peo, she has published over 30 works (children’s books, anthologies, audiobooks, magazines), and she serves as Vice President of the National Writers Association of South Africa and is a member of the World Organization of Writers.
UAE:
Reem Al Kamali
Reem Al Kamali is an Emirati writer, journalist, and cultural researcher, born in Dubai in 1979. She was educated in social sciences and history and has been actively working in Emirati media since 1996 as a columnist, editor, and cultural columnist, and since 2008 as the editor of cultural content for Al-Bayan newspaper. She is a member of the Emirates Writers Union and Journalists’ Associations and a recipient of prestigious literary awards: her book “Sultanate of Hormuz” (2013) received the Al Owais Prize, her novel “Dalma’s Statue” (2018) was awarded the Sharjah Prize, and “Rose’s Diary” (2021) was nominated for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and translated into English. Reem Al Kamali pays special attention to issues of heritage, ancient languages, mythology, and the role of women in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
Reem Al Kamali
Reem Al Kamali is an Emirati writer, journalist, and cultural researcher, born in Dubai in 1979. She was educated in social sciences and history and has been actively working in Emirati media since 1996 as a columnist, editor, and cultural columnist, and since 2008 as the editor of cultural content for Al-Bayan newspaper. She is a member of the Emirates Writers Union and Journalists’ Associations and a recipient of prestigious literary awards: her book “Sultanate of Hormuz” (2013) received the Al Owais Prize, her novel “Dalma’s Statue” (2018) was awarded the Sharjah Prize, and “Rose’s Diary” (2021) was nominated for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and translated into English. Reem Al Kamali pays special attention to issues of heritage, ancient languages, mythology, and the role of women in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
Ethiopia:
Abere Adamu
Abere Adamu is an Ethiopian writer, politician, and public figure, serving as President of the Ethiopian Authors' Association and as a member of the House of People's Representatives of Ethiopia. He actively participates in public debates on issues of diplomacy, the diaspora, and foreign policy, and writes on topics of history, spirituality, and social justice. He is the author of at least six books and a co-author of several works, including “Love in the Underworld”, “Praise of Death”, “Find My Country”, and “The Monk-Bandit” (an award-winning work), as well as plays, film scripts, and poetry collections. His works are known for their deep philosophical and patriotic meaning, blending national history, spiritual traditions, and reflections on contemporary times.
Abere Adamu
Abere Adamu is an Ethiopian writer, politician, and public figure, serving as President of the Ethiopian Authors' Association and as a member of the House of People's Representatives of Ethiopia. He actively participates in public debates on issues of diplomacy, the diaspora, and foreign policy, and writes on topics of history, spirituality, and social justice. He is the author of at least six books and a co-author of several works, including “Love in the Underworld”, “Praise of Death”, “Find My Country”, and “The Monk-Bandit” (an award-winning work), as well as plays, film scripts, and poetry collections. His works are known for their deep philosophical and patriotic meaning, blending national history, spiritual traditions, and reflections on contemporary times.
Iran:
Mansour Alimoradi
Mansour Alimoradi is an Iranian writer and poet, born in 1976 in Kerman. From a young age, he distinguished himself in literature, gaining recognition at regional poetry and prose festivals. At the age of 22, he began working for the magazine Roodbarzamin, where he wrote satirical pieces, reports, and engaged in literary criticism and the study of folk culture. He is the initiator of a major project—an eighteen-volume encyclopedia of the folk culture and literature of Southeastern Iran (seven volumes published to date). Alimoradi is the author of nine books, including novels for adults and young people, many of which have received prestigious Iranian awards such as Haft Eqlim, Fakherh-ye Saba, and Bastani Parizi. In 2021, his novel "Mid-Day Incantations" was recognized as the best literary work of the year at the 38th Iranian Literary Award.
Mansour Alimoradi
Mansour Alimoradi is an Iranian writer and poet, born in 1976 in Kerman. From a young age, he distinguished himself in literature, gaining recognition at regional poetry and prose festivals. At the age of 22, he began working for the magazine Roodbarzamin, where he wrote satirical pieces, reports, and engaged in literary criticism and the study of folk culture. He is the initiator of a major project—an eighteen-volume encyclopedia of the folk culture and literature of Southeastern Iran (seven volumes published to date). Alimoradi is the author of nine books, including novels for adults and young people, many of which have received prestigious Iranian awards such as Haft Eqlim, Fakherh-ye Saba, and Bastani Parizi. In 2021, his novel "Mid-Day Incantations" was recognized as the best literary work of the year at the 38th Iranian Literary Award.
Indonesia:
Denny JA
Denny JA (real name Denny Ja’far Ali) is an Indonesian writer, political consultant, entrepreneur, and researcher, born on January 4, 1963. He became widely known as the creator of the essay-poetry genre, which gained popularity after the publication of his book “In the Name of Love” and inspired the release of around 150 poetry books in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Denny JA was listed among the 30 most influential people on the Internet by Time (2015), is a recipient of the ASEAN Humanitarian and Diplomacy Literature Award (2020) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Indonesia’s Satupena Writers Guild (2021). In 2021, his candidacy was put forward for the Nobel Prize in Literature by the Essay-Poetry Community.
Denny JA
Denny JA (real name Denny Ja’far Ali) is an Indonesian writer, political consultant, entrepreneur, and researcher, born on January 4, 1963. He became widely known as the creator of the essay-poetry genre, which gained popularity after the publication of his book “In the Name of Love” and inspired the release of around 150 poetry books in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Denny JA was listed among the 30 most influential people on the Internet by Time (2015), is a recipient of the ASEAN Humanitarian and Diplomacy Literature Award (2020) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Indonesia’s Satupena Writers Guild (2021). In 2021, his candidacy was put forward for the Nobel Prize in Literature by the Essay-Poetry Community.
Egypt:
Salwa Bakr
Salwa Bakr (born 1949, Cairo) is a renowned Egyptian writer, novelist, and critic, author of seven short story collections, seven novels, and a play. She graduated from Ain Shams University and worked as a film and theater critic for leading Arab publications, as well as a professor at the American University in Cairo. Her works, such as the novel “The Golden Chariot”, focus on the destinies of the disadvantaged and marginalized, and the challenges faced by women in Egyptian society. Bakr’s books and stories have been translated into many European languages, and her novel “The Man from Bashmour” was included in the Arab Writers Union’s list of the 100 Best Arabic Novels. She is a recipient of the German Deutsche Welle Literary Prize, a member of Egypt’s Supreme Council for Culture, and the Egyptian Writers’ Union.
Salwa Bakr
Salwa Bakr (born 1949, Cairo) is a renowned Egyptian writer, novelist, and critic, author of seven short story collections, seven novels, and a play. She graduated from Ain Shams University and worked as a film and theater critic for leading Arab publications, as well as a professor at the American University in Cairo. Her works, such as the novel “The Golden Chariot”, focus on the destinies of the disadvantaged and marginalized, and the challenges faced by women in Egyptian society. Bakr’s books and stories have been translated into many European languages, and her novel “The Man from Bashmour” was included in the Arab Writers Union’s list of the 100 Best Arabic Novels. She is a recipient of the German Deutsche Welle Literary Prize, a member of Egypt’s Supreme Council for Culture, and the Egyptian Writers’ Union.
