Engineer António Guterres was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by Universidade de Lisboa, this Monday, February 19, at Aula Magna, in ULisboa’s rectorate building.
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of the Portuguese Parliament, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, the Prime-Minister, António Costa, several ministers and members of the diplomatic corps and by several members of the academic community.
The president of Técnico, professor Arlindo Oliveira, began his speech noting the “many qualities of António Guterres”, “his wide knowledge”, “his merit as a humanist” and “the steps of a long and versatile career”. Professor Arlindo Oliveira also recalled “the outstanding academic journey” of the alumnus and highlighted “his great knowledge, his skills as a speaker and his strong humanist spirit ” when António Guterres was still a student.
Professor Arlindo Oliveira also spoke about “a brilliant career in politics”, “many skills as a lecturer” and the “courage and modesty” as António Guterres assumes his current position, making him “an example for the younger generation”.
Engineer António Guterres was visibly moved and happy. He praised Técnico several times during his speech: “This school had a huge influence on me and on how I see the world and the others”. Although he pursued a “career outside of engineering”, his training was the “best I could have had” and Técnico taught him “learning to learn skills”. After addressing some of the challenges facing the current and future generations – cybercrime, climate changes, artificial intelligence, etc – António Guterres highlighted the importance of Técnico for these generations. ”I am quite sure that one of the best things that ever happened to me was to have studied at Técnico”, he said.
The President of the Portuguese Republic described the academic and professional journey of engineer António Guterres, considering him “the most qualified person of his generation”. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also recalled “the privilege of having witnessed” the performance of a “senior lecturer”, “a committed leader to civic movements and platforms for understanding” and probably “the most appreciated Portuguese politician”. In the President’s opinion “this recognition by ULisboa was inevitable”.
At the end of the ceremony, António Guterres kept his humble and generous appearance, spreading a sense of hope.
