PEN International is the worlds leading association of writers, working to promote literature and defend freedom of expression around the world. Founded in 1921, today it connects an international community of writers from its Secretariat in London, spanning over 100 countries, with 149 PEN Centres worldwide. PEN's campaigns, events and programmes connect writers and readers, strengthen freedom of expression, defend linguistic rights and promote quality education at the national, regional and international level across the globe. PEN International is a non-political organisation which holds Special Consultative Status at the UN and Associate Status at UNESCO.
