Where were you?

“Matt’s grasp of the issue(s) of human trafficking is 30 years deep, and reflects a long journey of action and reflection which he graciously allows us to learn from. There is something here for all of us, and indeed it will TAKE all of us to end human trafficking. That’s the moral of Matt’s superb book.” Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag, Co-founder, European Freedom Network Core team, Freedom Business Alliance Member, World Evangelical Alliance Global Human Trafficking Task Force
“Must read for all. I highly commend this book for everyone to read whether you are an inquirer or a veteran abolitionist. If you are a government employee, business person or NGO worker, this is a must read. There is a growing list of literature to read on the topic of slavery and human trafficking, this one should be one of the first to read. In this new and very readable profile of modern slavery Matt Friedman gives a well-balanced take on the issue, his experience, and what each of us can do practically to join the ‘second generation abolition movement’.” -Peter J Mihaere, CEO, Stand Against Slavery
“Has appeal for both the beginner and the veteran abolitionist. The theme of the book is really that of Friedman’s personal experience as a counter trafficking agent over the past few decades Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt the author’s transparency was very inspiring.” Rachael Williams-Mejri, Editor, Grace As Justice Magazine

Matthew Friedman is an internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. An award-winning public speaker, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Friedman regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies.

As the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, Friedman is considered a leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector. The Mekong Club is one of the first international not-for-profit organizations of its kind based in Asia to use a ‘business-to-business’ approach to fight slavery. It helps companies understand human trafficking and reduce their vulnerability within their supply chains.

In 2017, Friedman received the ‘Asia Communicator of the Year Gold Award’ for giving over 800 presentations to 80,000 people on modern slavery. He has a unique and powerful speaking style that inspires audiences.

Friedman is frequently cited in the news media and invited to speak at major international conferences. During his time as a UN and US diplomat, he managed significant humanitarian portfolios for the World Bank, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations. His 30 years of pioneering international anti-human-trafficking projects have provided him with extensive global networks.

He is the author of 12 books, including non-fiction accounts of his human rights work and a book on his philosophy of ‘time’. Friedman has also been an executive producer and advisor on four award-winning films.

Friedman has launched the global campaign “Be the Hero” and published a related book, “Be the Hero: Be the Change.” He believes that the collective actions of ordinary people can effect real transformation and considers all volunteers, regardless of the scale of their contribution, to be heroic.

He provides inspirational keynote speeches to teach, mentor, and motivate people to take a stand. Friedman has an ability to simplify complex issues like slavery, delivering messages of hope and shifting mindsets.

Friedman is married to Sylvia Yu Friedman, an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, international speaker, and author. Together, they have delivered numerous presentations on modern slavery. Friedman has also conducted speaking tours in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.

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