President receives Honorary Doctorate in International Development and the Global South from the National University of Malaysia

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247 – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) received, in the early hours of this Saturday (25), the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in International Development and Global South, granted by the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

In a social media post, Lula celebrated the honor and dedicated the title to the Brazilian people, emphasizing that the achievement is a collective one. The Brazilian leader also took the opportunity to reinforce the importance of education as a tool for social transformation.

"This honor reaffirms my faith in education as an instrument of emancipation and equality," he wrote on his X profile."I receive this title not as a point of arrival, but as an encouragement to continue fighting for a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. A world in which countries of the Global South have a voice."

"My journey reflects the history of overcoming adversity of millions of my compatriots. I dedicate this tribute to them. This diploma is not Lula's. This diploma belongs to 215 million Brazilians," Lula stated.

The president also emphasized the importance of the bond between Brazil and Malaysia, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the tribute."May today be another seed planted to strengthen the human ties between Malaysia and Brazil and to inspire new generations to dream, question, and act," he emphasized.

I receive the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the National University of Malaysia with deep emotion and sincere gratitude. This honor reaffirms my faith in education as an instrument of emancipation and equality.

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 25, 2025

International recognition

During the ceremony, Lula recalled that expanding access to higher education has been one of the hallmarks of his administration and reinforced the role of knowledge as the foundation for a more just and egalitarian society. The Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Malaysia, Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, also recognized the Workers' Party's legacy and the symbolism of the degree awarded.

"He became the first president of Brazil without a university degree, but at the same time, he was the president who created the largest number of public universities in its entire history. The University of Malaya is truly honored to bestow this title on the president of Brazil," he said.