“Cambridge University’s business school is seeking to provide “leadership development” and “innovation management” to Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry”

“Cambridge’s leadership has approved a proposal by the university’s Judge business school to form a “memorandum of understanding” with the ministry for services and training, after an initial introduction by the UK’s Ministry of Defence.”

“Documents seen by the Guardian state that an agreement “would set preliminary goals and terms for potential collaborations to develop executive education, innovation management, leadership development and healthcare administration strategies, working exclusively with the civilian administration of the [Saudi defence ministry].””

“A spokesperson for the business school said: “Cambridge Judge business school has not signed such an MoU [memorandum of understanding] with the Saudi Arabia defence ministry.””

“Judge business school officials told Cambridge’s committee on benefactions and external and legal affairs... that it “was requesting permission to enter into a memorandum of understanding” with the ministry.”

“An “executive MBA” at the Judge business school charges tuition fees of £98,000, while a “global executive MBA” starting in January charges £107,000.”

“David Whitaker, the business school’s director of alumni relations and external engagement, told the benefactions committee: “The proposal aligned with the university’s mission to benefit society through education and was strategically aligned with the UK government.””