Abstract

In 2002, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promoted four pillars of education management and development for every country in the world. These four pillars are: knowledge of science, skills development, live in peace, and know oneself. When these components are utilized together, a person can completely develop and establish his/her own self, sustain his/her own living and employ wisdom in managing natural resources.

Meanwhile, there is a growing understanding in our industry that a carbon-sensitive world offers us opportunities as well as threats. Today, fossil fuels are still considered as the only credible candidate for cheap, clean energy in the required quantities over the next 50 years and the industry has already demonstrated its ability to lower its costs and extend available reserves. However, the age of fossil fuels, and particularly oil, has brought unparalleled prosperity and personal freedom to many. This puts our industry right at the center of the environmental debate.

This evolution of climate change will require significant and painstaking research. Sound science rather than emotion needs to guide society in making the necessary decisions. The subject cannot be treated at the level of a single country or continent. It is typical of the complex issues that the world will need to solve together, taking advantage of the improved communications that bring us together to continue to provide technical expertise, financial strength and global management skills.

This paper will review the motivation and unique capabilities that the oil industry has, to solve the problem and contribute to the Earth's better situation. An example of this capability is given in a description of an initiative called SEED. SEED (Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development) is a unique volunteer-based, corporate, non-profit educational development program. With an 80% sustainability objective, SEED connects schoolchildren to the Internet, shares the knowledge of practicing scientists with 10-18 year olds through an online Science Center in 7 languages, and facilitates collaborative projects between children around the world and Schlumberger people in wherever they live and work.

With the belief that innovation, skills and access are keys to sustainable development, the SEED Program is at work to meet the basic needs and specific demands of possible ways the information and communication technology can be applied, in the hope of reducing digital divide and expanding equal distribution of opportunities people have to lead lives that they value.