Daniel Gorman is director of English PEN, one of the world's oldest human rights organizations that champions the freedom to write and the freedom to read. It is the founding center of PEN International, a worldwide writers' association with 145 centers in more than 100 countries. Prior to joining English PEN in 2019, Daniel was executive director of the Shubbak festival of contemporary Arab culture. Daniel is also a co-founder of Highlight Arts, who have organized UK-based international arts festivals and events since 2007 including projects working in partnership with artists in Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. Daniel has written for the Guardian, Irish Times, N+1 and many others.