INGENIUM Partner MTU Confers Honorary Doctorate on Ambassador David Donoghue

INGENIUM partner Munster Technological University (MTU) has conferred the degree of Honorary Doctor of Arts upon His Excellency Ambassador David Donoghue in recognition of his historic contribution to global diplomacy, his leadership in shaping the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and his enduring partnership with MTU and INGENIUM in advancing education as a force for inclusion and peace.

The conferring took place at the Kerry Sports Academy, during MTU’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony, with the citation delivered by Catherine Carty, UNESCO Chair MTU and INGENIUM Sustainability lead at MTU.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Ambassador Donoghue’s distinguished career with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs began in 1975 and includes service as Ambassador to Russia, Austria, and Germany, and as Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations. As co-chair of the negotiations that produced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, he helped shape what former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described as “the most inclusive and ambitious development agenda in UN history.”

His work continues to inspire MTU’s strategic commitment to the SDGs, described by President Maggie Cusack as “not just a value, but a pivotal enabler of success.” Through Ireland’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the INGENIUM alliance, Ambassador Donoghue’s vision informs the university’s mission to advance sustainability through education, research, innovation, and community engagement.

Ambassador Donoghue has collaborated with MTU across multiple initiatives, including Global Goals Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, where he joined the university’s three-day programme at the Irish Pavilion, engaging directly with students, educators, and international partners. His participation in MTU’s International Mental Health Summit and ISAPA 2025 further underscored his conviction that “sustainable development begins with inclusion, equity, and mental well-being.”

Through his guiding principle “leave no one behind” and its refinement, “bring the furthest behind first,” Ambassador Donoghue has provided an enduring compass for governments, organisations, and universities worldwide. His leadership exemplifies the SDGs’ call to balance economic progress, social inclusion, and environmental protection, ensuring fair growth, just societies, and a planet safeguarded for future generations.

As Catherine Carty noted in her citation, Ambassador Donoghue reminds us that “education itself is the most enduring act of diplomacy.” His words and actions continue to inspire the MTU colleagues and INGENIUM alliance’s collective efforts to transform higher education for a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.