The Sekem Vision: a lighthouse in the desert
- for biodynamic agriculture, fair trade and peace through cultural exchange
In 1977, Dr Abouleish, an Egyptian scientist, and a true modern humanist founded The SEKEM Initiative to implement his vision of a sustainable human development in a desert area located 6o km Northeast of the city of Cairo.
The Sekem initiative, whose name comes from a hieroglyph meaning vitality from the sun , was established with a view to create a sustainable and biodynamic agro-business model that would contribute to a comprehensive development of individuals, society and the environment and therefore improve the living conditions of many.
Through sustainable environmental, technological and business practices, Dr. Abouleish's vision has materialized into the greening of a stretch of the Egyptian desert. It has also manifested itself through the social and cultural development opportunities made available to its workforce and to the communities at large.
It is his visionary leadership, which has earned Dr. Abouleish the 2003 "Right Livelihood Award" otherwise known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize" as well as the Schwaab Foundation 2004 "Outstanding social entrepreneur" Award.
Sekem's vision is now being propulsed into the future through the planning of the Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, a soon to be greenhouse for tomorrow 's leaders and actors for a sustainable development in Africa and worldwide.
About the man behind the vision: Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish in Wikipedia