Prof Dr Ibrahim Abouleish, Founder and Chairman of SEKEM Initiative, Egypt

Sustainable Development is one of the most important challenges to man and it means the creation of living conditions today which will still allow future generations to live with dignity. “SEKEM” the sustainable development initiative was established 1977 in Egypt.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish was born in Egypt and studied chemistry and medicine in Austria. Thereafter he engaged in medical research, and was heading medical research center. In 1975, on a visit to Egypt, he became aware of its pressing problems in education, overpopulation and pollution. In 1977 he decided to establish a sustainable development initiative and named it SEKEM, taking its name from the hieroglyphic transcription meaning “vitality”.

Since the foundation of the SEKEM, Prof. Dr. Abouleish aims to promote sustainable development of human, society and earth.  SEKEM Group encompasses several companies for organic agriculture, processing of phyto-pharmaceuticals, fresh and dried products, processed food and organic textiles.

SEKEM maintains human rights principles within its scope of work. The Cooperative of Sekem Employees seeks to develop work models that ensure respect for the dignity of humankind and guarantee the equality and equity of everybody in the community.

The SEKEM Group supports cultural initiatives providing education, healthcare and research through the Sekem Development Foundation. The foundation established cultural enterprises like educational and vocational training institutions and medical care. Since 1999 Heliopolis Academy conducts research in the area of

Heliopolis Academy is the center of research. In conjunction with an international exchange, artists and scientists further develop the work and tasks of holistic development. The challenges of the 21st century – such as climate change, resources scarcity, a growing population, extreme poverty, etc. – need innovative solutions, in order to find new, prospective answers for the big problems of our time.

Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development dedicated its existence to this challenge and strives for sustainable development of individuals, communities and nature in Egypt and the world.

Cairo, August 2013; Sekem Group, Egypt

Phone: (00202) 2656 4124 Fax: (00202) 2656 4123  

email: dr.abouleish@sekem.com   www.sekem.com