Remembering former IDRC President David Malone

David was known for his intellectual curiosity and generosity of spirit. He engaged staff in thoughtful dialogue, encouraged bold ideas and valued collaboration across teams and regions. His ability to connect global policy debates with practical action strengthened IDRC’s reputation, both in Canada and globally, as a trusted partner. 

David brought to IDRC a wealth of experience as a diplomat, scholar and advocate for international cooperation. This included positions as Canada’s high commissioner to India and non-resident ambassador to Bhutan and Nepal (2006-08), assistant deputy minister for global issues at Canada’s then-Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2004-06) and president of the International Peace Academy (now the International Peace Institute) (1998-2004). From 1990-94, David represented Canada at the United Nations in New York, serving as Canada’s representative to the UN Economic and Social Council and later as ambassador and deputy permanent representative.  

David’s experience and foresight resonate with today’s landscape. He shepherded IDRC through a period of fiscal constraint, encouraged IDRC to diversify funding sources and recognized the need and opportunity to actively assert IDRC’s value to Canadians. He encouraged IDRC to go beyond its core role as a research funder to also distill, analyze and share its knowledge and expertise. This reflected his own track record of continuing to publish work alongside his leadership roles. 

“IDRC has always been for me the model of an ambitious and innovative organization that has increased steadily in stature and accomplishment as it matured,” he said alongside the announcement of his appointment as IDRC president in 2008.  

His enthusiasm was equally evident as he concluded his term as president: “I’m very excited about IDRC,” he told an interviewer in 2013. “I’ve loved every minute of being here.” 

Following his time at IDRC, David became rector of the United Nations University and under-secretary general of the United Nations, a post he held until February 2023. 

David’s legacy lives on through his advocacy for the value of science and innovation to drive shared prosperity, promote global stability and strengthen Canada’s ties with low- and middle-income countries. David channeled a characterization of IDRC that emerged in the 1990s when he wrote in his first message as president in IDRC’s 2008-09 annual report that “IDRC is an expression of Canada on the world stage.”  

IDRC extends condolences to David’s family and friends, including the many current and past IDRC employees who worked alongside him.