Martin Khor: Malaysian Economist, Journalist and Advocate for the Global South

Career and institutional roles

Khor held leadership positions in organizations that focused on the interests of the Global South. He served as executive director of the South Centre, an intergovernmental organization of developing countries based in Geneva, from 2009 to 2018. Prior to that and concurrently over many years he was director of the Third World Network, a policy and advocacy network addressing development, environment and trade issues. He was also a long‑running columnist and commentator.

• Journalist and columnist: Khor wrote on policy and development topics for Malaysian newspapers and international outlets, bringing complex global issues to a wider public.
• Economist and analyst: He analysed trade negotiations, intellectual property regimes and development finance from the perspective of middle‑ and low‑income countries.
• Institutional leader: At the South Centre in Geneva he coordinated research and policy advice for developing country delegations and institutions.
• Public advocate: Based in Penang and active globally, he worked with NGOs, policymakers and international forums.

Themes and contributions

Khor’s writing and public interventions focused on several recurring themes. He was a critic of unequal outcomes in trade and intellectual property frameworks and advocated for policy space for development. He highlighted the connections between environmental protection, sustainable development and social justice, and supported South–South cooperation as a means for shared learning and solidarity among developing nations. He frequently briefed negotiators, spoke at international meetings and participated in policy networks.

His work helped frame debates on how global rules affect access to medicines, technology transfer and national development strategies. While not an elected official, he played an influential role as a bridge between activists, scholars and government delegates, emphasizing practical policy options for developing countries.

Martin Khor died of cancer on 1 April 2020 in Penang at the age of 68. His legacy is reflected in the organizations he led and the sustained advocacy for greater equity in global economic governance.