The Third World Network

The Third World Network finds its origin in a meeting held in 1984 in Penang, Malaysia. The theme of this conference which was convened by the Consumers' Association of Penang, was "Third World Development or Crisis?". At the closing session the participants decided to establish a network in order to maintain links among themselves as well as establish links with other groups and individuals involved in Third World issues. Herewith the Third World Network was born.

The Consumers' Association of Penang was asked to provide the secretariat. The primary purpose of the network was seen as the coordination and consolidation of cooperation between development groups in the South an the North.

TWN established the Third World Network features Service which since 1986 has been used by newspapers, magazines and NGO's around the world. On the basis of its research, TWN began to publish books and in 1990 the network began the publication of two magazines: the monthly Third World Resurgence and the fortnightly Third World Economics.

One of the major activities of TWN has become the establishment of networks of individuals and organisations in such areas as the tropical rain forest, ecological agriculture, anti-toxic campaigns, basic needs, and housing.

TWN has been active lobbying for Third World interests during the recent Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations.

TWN is located at 87 Cantonment Road, 10250, Penang, Malaysia.