U2 lead singer Bono will be the commencement speaker at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on May 17.

"With his tireless efforts and use of his celebrity to remind us of our moral duties as citizens of the globe, Bono has been a powerful force for change, galvanizing the action of presidents, countries and the general public," Penn President Judith Rodin said in a statement.

Bono is the founder of Debt AIDS Trade Africa, which works with religious groups concerned with global disease and hunger issues.