Saudi Aramco's CEO addresses London’s School of Oriental and

LONDON, November 01, SPA-- Saudi Aramco President and CEO Abdallah S. Jumah recently emphasized the importance of diversity and
cross-cultural cooperation during an address to advisers of the
University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).


He said education was vital to understanding the challenges of today
and tomorrow.


“As the leader of a company whose operations and interests span the
globe, I recognize the importance of the far-reaching developments we
are witnessing in Africa and Asia, and the need to understand how
economic globalization, political change and technological advances
are shaping their cultures and societies, " he said.


“As an oil man, I believe that greater global stability and
cross-cultural understanding are indispensable contributors to
enhanced energy security and the development of our industry. And
finally, as the parent of children who are still making their way in
the world, I consider it imperative that we teach young people to
actively celebrate diversity and the value of mutual endeavor in an
ever more inter-connected global community.”

Jum‘ah commended the school’s achievements. “SOAS has adopted a
holistic approach, which recognizes that the inter-relationships
between different fields of knowledge are at least as interesting as
developments within a single academic area,” he said.


After a detailed description of Saudi Aramco’s expansion projects,
Jum‘ah spoke of the role the company is playing in the creation of
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the
King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture.


“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, has entrusted
Saudi Aramco with much of the university’s development,” Jum‘ah said.
“When it opens 11 months from now, KAUST will be a graduate
university dedicated to scientific and technical research and
teaching, drawing faculty, staff and students from all over the
globe.”

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