Saudi National Day Celebration at Harvard (September 22, 2024)
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How can my country become more prosperous in a climate—constrained world? I have spent the past two decades answering this question..
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My journey began long before I knew where it would take me. I was just five years old when I first felt the pull of responsibility—a quiet call to lead and bring order to the chaos around me. In my kindergarten class, our teacher handed out coloring sheets, each one featuring the same simple apple. But there were only a few crayons in the most coveted colors—red, brown, and green—and far too many children scrambling to get them. The result was inevitable: frustration, arguments, and a sense of disorder that left some children feeling left out and powerless.
I watched this unfold day after day, and something inside me stirred. I couldn’t just stand by and watch. So, one day, I stood up and asked the class to hand me their crayons. I started organizing them, ensuring each child had their turn, that no one was left out, and that the fights stopped. I became the ‘color boss,’ not because I wanted control but because I wanted to restore fairness and peace. It felt deeply satisfying, like I was fulfilling a higher purpose. Little did I know, this small moment of leadership would shape the rest of my life.
Born in the 1980s in Saudi Arabia, I grew up in a household of six siblings, which provided the perfect environment for growth, resilience, and development. During a time of rapid transformation in the Kingdom, I was inspired by my mother, one of the first educated women in Saudi Arabia, and my late father, whose quiet strength and belief in my potential shaped my outlook on life. Surrounded by values of education and ambition, I was encouraged to dream beyond societal limits and contribute meaningfully to my country and the world.I started my freshman year of college in 1999 and by 2003 had earned my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Dar Al-Hekma University. But the most defining year of my early education was the one I spent being homeschooled by my late father. He dedicated hours each day to go through my readings and assignments, instilling in me the discipline and perseverance that would shape my future. His dedication enabled me to skip three years of education, allowing me to be admitted to college at 15. At 19, I completed my bachelor’s degree, and by 20, I found myself in London, pursuing a master’s degree.
One night during my master’s studies in 2003, I had a pivotal moment that set the course for my future. It was a cold winter evening, and I was on the tube in London, feeling lost and uncertain about my research. By chance, my professor walked onto the same train. After a brief exchange, he asked, "Are you ready to discuss your master’s thesis proposal?" I sighed and admitted that I had no idea what to write about. Before stepping off the train, he mentioned, "Have you heard of fuel cells? Your country could be in trouble." That night, I stayed up researching hydrogen fuel cells, and a sense of purpose revealed itself to me. I realized that my work wasn’t just about a thesis—it was about contributing to the future of my country, helping transform Saudi Arabia’s energy sector for generations to come.
During my master’s studies in 2004, I had another pivotal experience. As part of my thesis research, I had the honor of interviewing Sheikh Zaki Yamani for his views on the oil industry. Upon meeting me, he offered something beyond insight—he offered me a scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. At that time, I had received several scholarships, and it wasn’t an easy choice. However, I opted for Sheikh Yamani’s offer, not only because it supported my education but because it provided a unique opportunity to work with the Center for Global Energy Studies in London. There, I worked part-time while attending high-level events governed under Chatham House rules, where I learned from authorities in oil, geopolitics, and energy. I was a young, eager student, absorbing the knowledge and mentorship of some of the field’s greatest minds. It was a golden opportunity to grow under the wing of Sheikh Yamani's mentorship.
In 2004, I embarked on my Ph.D. journey in London. Shortly after, I married my life partner, best friend, and constant support, Ammar, who stood by me through every challenge. Together, we navigated the demands of academic life. However, in 2007, I briefly interrupted my studies. I was pregnant with our first daughter, Aya, and my father had become a stroke patient. I chose to pause my PhD and return to Saudi Arabia to spend time with him during his final months. He passed away before I could finish my doctorate, leaving behind a profound absence in my life. After my father's passing, I returned to London, only to find that my Ph.D. supervisor had left the school. Scared and anxious, I found myself living like a single mother with my two-year-old daughter, enduring the pain, loneliness, and isolation of Ph.D. life. I persevered and pulled through, completing my Ph.D. in 2013.
Soon after, I began working at AREVA, a French nuclear energy company, while simultaneously holding a postdoctoral position at MIT. My life became a delicate balance between motherhood and professional pursuits. Those moments of exhaustion and doubt were tempered by small victories—by the joy of seeing my daughter grow, and by the belief that I could make a difference in the world. I had my second child, AbdAllah, in 2012 and then joined AREVA in 2013. At the same time, I began my postdoctoral studies at MIT. Between 2013 and 2015, I juggled working for AREVA, studying at MIT, and taking my one-year-old son with me between Boston and Riyadh. I also spent summers in Paris supervising Saudi students who did internships in France and Germany. I had my third daughter, Alya, in Boston as I completed my post-doctorate in 2015.
In 2016, I joined KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center), where I spent the next eight years working on global climate and energy challenges. I traveled the world, participating in global events, conferences, and workshops while managing my growing family of four children. I had my fourth child, Ali, while at KAPSARC. Balancing motherhood, researching, advising, publishing, speaking globally, and carrying breast milk across continents, I persevered at work and advanced my career. One of the most transformative projects I contributed to during my time at KAPSARC was the TASAMI project in 2021-22, initiated under the visionary leadership of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who fostered an environment where every voice was heard, and collective progress was prioritized. It was a defining year where I worked closely with external consultants and staff to evaluate the center's operational health and present a strategic plan for its future development.
In 2020, I co-chaired the Think 20 (T20) Task Force under Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency. This was the beginning of a series of roles I would undertake in the global climate arena. I continued to serve as co-chair in T20 Italy in 2021, T20 Indonesia in 2022, T20 India in 2023, and currently in 2024 for T20 Brazil. These roles allowed me to contribute to policy briefs, concept notes, and final communiqués that shape the global discourse on climate change, energy transition, and sustainability.
In 2024, I stood at Harvard Kennedy School for my first day as a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration student. When I was asked to introduce myself in a few seconds, I wanted to capture not only my story but the story of a nation. A country where the empowerment of women is young but deeply profound. I stand here today because of the women like my mother who opened doors for the generations that followed, but I also stand here because of the men—like my late father—who believed in us, nurtured our potential, and empowered us to dream beyond what seemed possible.Most importantly, I am here because of the forward-looking leadership of my beloved nation, which drives us toward success, fostering an environment where women are empowered to excel and achieve their full potential on the global stage.
"My name is Noura Mansouri, I'm from Saudi Arabia. My mother was among the first generation of educated women in my country. And I can't begin to imagine what the future for my daughters would be."
I watched this unfold day after day, and something inside me stirred. I couldn’t just stand by and watch. So, one day, I stood up and asked the class to hand me their crayons. I started organizing them, ensuring each child had their turn, that no one was left out, and that the fights stopped. I became the ‘color boss,’ not because I wanted control but because I wanted to restore fairness and peace. It felt deeply satisfying, like I was fulfilling a higher purpose. Little did I know, this small moment of leadership would shape the rest of my life.
Born in the 1980s in Saudi Arabia, I grew up in a household of six siblings, which provided the perfect environment for growth, resilience, and development. During a time of rapid transformation in the Kingdom, I was inspired by my mother, one of the first educated women in Saudi Arabia, and my late father, whose quiet strength and belief in my potential shaped my outlook on life. Surrounded by values of education and ambition, I was encouraged to dream beyond societal limits and contribute meaningfully to my country and the world.I started my freshman year of college in 1999 and by 2003 had earned my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Dar Al-Hekma University. But the most defining year of my early education was the one I spent being homeschooled by my late father. He dedicated hours each day to go through my readings and assignments, instilling in me the discipline and perseverance that would shape my future. His dedication enabled me to skip three years of education, allowing me to be admitted to college at 15. At 19, I completed my bachelor’s degree, and by 20, I found myself in London, pursuing a master’s degree.
One night during my master’s studies in 2003, I had a pivotal moment that set the course for my future. It was a cold winter evening, and I was on the tube in London, feeling lost and uncertain about my research. By chance, my professor walked onto the same train. After a brief exchange, he asked, "Are you ready to discuss your master’s thesis proposal?" I sighed and admitted that I had no idea what to write about. Before stepping off the train, he mentioned, "Have you heard of fuel cells? Your country could be in trouble." That night, I stayed up researching hydrogen fuel cells, and a sense of purpose revealed itself to me. I realized that my work wasn’t just about a thesis—it was about contributing to the future of my country, helping transform Saudi Arabia’s energy sector for generations to come.
During my master’s studies in 2004, I had another pivotal experience. As part of my thesis research, I had the honor of interviewing Sheikh Zaki Yamani for his views on the oil industry. Upon meeting me, he offered something beyond insight—he offered me a scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. At that time, I had received several scholarships, and it wasn’t an easy choice. However, I opted for Sheikh Yamani’s offer, not only because it supported my education but because it provided a unique opportunity to work with the Center for Global Energy Studies in London. There, I worked part-time while attending high-level events governed under Chatham House rules, where I learned from authorities in oil, geopolitics, and energy. I was a young, eager student, absorbing the knowledge and mentorship of some of the field’s greatest minds. It was a golden opportunity to grow under the wing of Sheikh Yamani's mentorship.
In 2004, I embarked on my Ph.D. journey in London. Shortly after, I married my life partner, best friend, and constant support, Ammar, who stood by me through every challenge. Together, we navigated the demands of academic life. However, in 2007, I briefly interrupted my studies. I was pregnant with our first daughter, Aya, and my father had become a stroke patient. I chose to pause my PhD and return to Saudi Arabia to spend time with him during his final months. He passed away before I could finish my doctorate, leaving behind a profound absence in my life. After my father's passing, I returned to London, only to find that my Ph.D. supervisor had left the school. Scared and anxious, I found myself living like a single mother with my two-year-old daughter, enduring the pain, loneliness, and isolation of Ph.D. life. I persevered and pulled through, completing my Ph.D. in 2013.
Soon after, I began working at AREVA, a French nuclear energy company, while simultaneously holding a postdoctoral position at MIT. My life became a delicate balance between motherhood and professional pursuits. Those moments of exhaustion and doubt were tempered by small victories—by the joy of seeing my daughter grow, and by the belief that I could make a difference in the world. I had my second child, AbdAllah, in 2012 and then joined AREVA in 2013. At the same time, I began my postdoctoral studies at MIT. Between 2013 and 2015, I juggled working for AREVA, studying at MIT, and taking my one-year-old son with me between Boston and Riyadh. I also spent summers in Paris supervising Saudi students who did internships in France and Germany. I had my third daughter, Alya, in Boston as I completed my post-doctorate in 2015.
In 2016, I joined KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center), where I spent the next eight years working on global climate and energy challenges. I traveled the world, participating in global events, conferences, and workshops while managing my growing family of four children. I had my fourth child, Ali, while at KAPSARC. Balancing motherhood, researching, advising, publishing, speaking globally, and carrying breast milk across continents, I persevered at work and advanced my career. One of the most transformative projects I contributed to during my time at KAPSARC was the TASAMI project in 2021-22, initiated under the visionary leadership of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who fostered an environment where every voice was heard, and collective progress was prioritized. It was a defining year where I worked closely with external consultants and staff to evaluate the center's operational health and present a strategic plan for its future development.
In 2020, I co-chaired the Think 20 (T20) Task Force under Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency. This was the beginning of a series of roles I would undertake in the global climate arena. I continued to serve as co-chair in T20 Italy in 2021, T20 Indonesia in 2022, T20 India in 2023, and currently in 2024 for T20 Brazil. These roles allowed me to contribute to policy briefs, concept notes, and final communiqués that shape the global discourse on climate change, energy transition, and sustainability.
In 2024, I stood at Harvard Kennedy School for my first day as a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration student. When I was asked to introduce myself in a few seconds, I wanted to capture not only my story but the story of a nation. A country where the empowerment of women is young but deeply profound. I stand here today because of the women like my mother who opened doors for the generations that followed, but I also stand here because of the men—like my late father—who believed in us, nurtured our potential, and empowered us to dream beyond what seemed possible.Most importantly, I am here because of the forward-looking leadership of my beloved nation, which drives us toward success, fostering an environment where women are empowered to excel and achieve their full potential on the global stage.
"My name is Noura Mansouri, I'm from Saudi Arabia. My mother was among the first generation of educated women in my country. And I can't begin to imagine what the future for my daughters would be."