The Sekem Effect

When Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish founded Sekem in 1977, his visionary aim was to create a new kind of sustainable community in the Egyptian desert, in which high-quality biodynamic crops could be grown, where workers and residents benefit from holistic healthcare, and their children would receive a meaningful education. In the years since, Sekem has gone from strength to strength, building an impressive network of farms across Egypt and Sudan, all while working with local populations to bring about real social change.

In this inspiring book, Helmy Abouleish, son of Dr. Abouleish and Chief Executive of Sekem, alongside Christine Arlt, describes the next stage in the development of this innovative community. Through a series of pioneering projects, they laid out their vision for an integrated transformation of Egyptian society in the coming decades in areas relating to ecology, economics, culture, and social transformation. Among them:

— provision of holistic education that recognizes the potential of each person;
— promotion of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to help Egypt become climate neutral;
— development of a recycling economy based on responsible consumption and a sustainable lifestyle;
— celebration of diversity that insures equal opportunities for all.

Through its practical efforts, Sekem and its community demonstrate how people the world over can feel empowered to shape their own society and develop confidence in the future.

Contents

Preface

PART 1: THE SEKEM INITIATIVE
1. Introducing Sekem
2. Sources of Inspiration
3. The Sekem Symphony: From Initial Vision to the Present

PART 2: THE SEKEM VISION GOALS

4. An Overview of the Sekem Vision Goals

5. Culture
– Vision Goal 1: Lifelong learning
– Vision Goal 2: Holistic research
– Vision Goal 3: Integrative health
– Vision Goal 4: Arts and culture

6. Ecology
– Vision Goal 5: Agriculture
– Vision Goal 6: Sustainable water management
– Vision Goal 7: Renewable energy
– Vision Goal 8: Biodiversity
– Vision Goal 9: Climate neutrality

7. The Economy
– Vision Goal 10: Circular economy
– Vision Goal 11: The economy of love
– Vision Goal 12: Ethical banking and finance
– Vision Goal 13: Sustainable lifestyle

8. Social Life
– Vision Goal 14: Agile organizational structures
– Vision Goal 15: Diversity and equal opportunities
– Vision Goal 16: Social transformation

9. Our Vision for Egypt 2057 in the Context of Current Events

Conclusion
The Sekem Future Council Members (2025)
Acknowledgements
Notes
Resources
Index