Four years have gone by since Martin Khor’s passing on April 1st 2020. Yet, Martin’s essence lingers as the very fabric of the Third World Network, woven into its soul, a testament to his enduring legacy.
2024 is also the 40th anniversary of the very organization he helped build. The Third World Network was conceived after a 1984 international conference hosted by its parent organization, the Consumers’ Association of Penang, that gathered representatives from 20 countries from the Global South.
At the time, the term Third World was used to convey the shared images between countries of nonwhiteness and inheritance of colonial economic models and their consequential dependence. Martin and his friends saw the need to strengthen South-South cooperation and push for a Southern perspective on development.
On these two solemn anniversaries, we gathered to reflect upon excerpts from Martin’s final interview, a poignant dialogue that transcends the barriers of time and space.
Martin Khor was more than a visionary leader, he was a symbol of love – love for humanity, for the planet, and for the imperative of action. As we honor his memory, let us carry forward his spirit of resilience and determination, knowing that in doing so, we honor not only his legacy, but the collective journey towards a world of equity and justice for all.
We are deeply grateful to Tom Kruse, a dear friend, who spent a week in deep conversation with Martin in Penang, enriching us all with this precious legacy.
*This series of videos is an eulogy produced by TWN in 2024.