PROF. DR. IBRAHIM ABOULEISH,

FOUNDER OF THE BIO-PIONEER INITIATIVE SEKEM AND RIGHT LIVELIHOOD AWARD LAUREATE IN 2003.

The SEKEM initiative was founded to realise the vision of sustainable human development. SEKEM aims to contribute to the comprehensive development of the individual, society and environment. A holistic concept encompassing integrated economic, social and cultural development forms the key SEKEM vision. In 1977, Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish founded the SEKEM initiative on an untouched part of the desert (70 hectares) in an area 60 kilometers northwest of Cairo. Over the years, SEKEM became the „umbrella“ of a multifaceted agro-industrial group of business companies and several NGO’s encompassing a variety of socio-cultural-human development institutions and cooperative associations. Currently, SEKEM is regarded as an outstanding world-class, socio-business corporation. In fact, in August 2003, Dr. Abouleish was selected as one of the world’s outstanding Social Entrepreneurs by the Schwab Foundation. In December 2003, the Right Livelihood Foundation awarded SEKEM and Dr. Abouleish the prestigious „Alternative Nobel Prize“. According to the statement of the Award, „SEKEM demonstrates how a modern business model combines profitability and success in world markets with a humane and spiritual approach to people while maintaining respect for the environment.“