David Malone, IDRC President from 2008 to 2015, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025.
David enjoyed a distinguished career as a diplomat, academic and international civil servant, holding prominent posts in New York, Cairo, Delhi, Sudan, Libya and Tokyo. A prolific author and widely respected analyst, he leaves behind an exceptional body of work on the United Nations, development, international security, peace processes and Indian foreign policy. He is remembered as a leading voice on international affairs and as a generous mentor who inspired countless young professionals committed to public service and scholarship.
Below, you will find a number of tributes submitted by friends, colleagues, and IDRC alumni.
Maureen O’Neil
I had known David for about 40 years. He was a young diplomat when we met. I was running Status of Women Canada. We had a strong stream of international work. Over the decades I have admired David’s competence and intellectual dexterity. (full tribute)
Jean Lebel
David was my president at IDRC, but also, for a time, my direct boss when I was vice-president of programs. To praise all his achievements would be a perilous undertaking, as this scholar contributed to the intellectual development of what I may call “international affairs.” (full tribute)
Sylvain Dufour
David had excellent strategic thinking. His views and directions were indispensable in managing relationships with the government at a time when Official Development Assistance was stagnant. Through his vast network of contacts, he got us involved in highly strategic relationships that really helped IDRC through difficult years. (full tribute)
Trent Hoole
David was incredibly generous – with his time, support and genuine friendship, especially to those younger than himself moving through careers and life. In every aspect David led a purposeful and consequential life and he concluded it the way he lived it – decisively. (full tribute)
Marie-Claude Martin
David offered unique insights, and unwavering support of IDRC’s approach, even – perhaps especially – when it was challenged by external funders or outsiders. He was not only a brilliant thinker, but also generous and caring. I will cherish those moments and value his legacy. (full tribute)
Prabha Sethuraman
My association with David began in 2006 when he was the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and our bond grew deeper during his years as President of IDRC from 2008 to 2013. Even after he moved to Tokyo as Rector of the UN University, we continued to stay in touch. (full tribute)
Rohinton Medhora
David’s tenure at IDRC was but a segment in the arc of a long and meaningful career in international affairs. But it was still a significant one, as this was a period of rapid change in Canada and its world, not all of it friendly to the traditional Pearsonian view of Canada’s global role and stature. (full tribute)
Ritu Verma
As many people have already remembered of him, he was a connector of people, projects, and ideas. For me, David was an important role model. He left a lasting impression on me and many others. (full tribute)
Tribute from IDRC
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. (full tribute)
Bulletin 79
January 2026