SEKEM Group, Egypt’s leading social enterprise focused on sustainable development, was recognized as one of the 2024 Champions of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the “Entrepreneurial Vision” category.
As the only recipient from Africa and the Middle East, SEKEM’s efforts in combating desertification, drought, and land degradation earned it this prestigious accolade, regarded as the highest environmental honor bestowed by the UN.
Adding to its achievements, Helmy Abouleish, SEKEM’s CEO, was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African magazine, recognizing his contributions to advancing civil society and sustainable practices across the continent.
Transforming Business and Communities
Nearly 50 years ago, SEKEM introduced the “Economy of Love” (EoL) model, a groundbreaking approach to integrating ethical business practices, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. This model emphasizes holistic value creation, producing high-quality, sustainable products while empowering communities.
Key highlights of the EoL model include
Supporting farmers in transitioning to biodynamic and organic agriculture.
Establishing the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) to provide certification standards for sustainable farming.
Enabling farmers to generate additional income through carbon credit programs and other environmental incentives.
To date, 15,312 farmers have transitioned to sustainable agriculture under the EoL model, converting over 55,000 acres of land into biodynamic and organic farms. This transformation addresses critical global challenges such as food security, climate change, and water scarcity.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The EoL model also fosters cultural and social growth by:
Promoting lifelong learning and creative engagement.
Ensuring fair and dignified working conditions.
Building a resilient, empowered community connected through sustainable practices.
Commenting on these milestones, Helmy Abouleish stated:
“SEKEM began as a dream, turning a barren desert into a thriving oasis of community and sustainability. Today, it represents the harmony between business, people, and the environment. This global recognition strengthens our mission to inspire more organizations to adopt sustainable, transformative practices.”
Inspiring Change Locally and Globally
SEKEM’s achievements exemplify the potential of scalable sustainability-driven business models. In collaboration with the EBDA, SEKEM aims to support 40,000 farmers in adopting organic and biodynamic farming practices by the end of 2025.
Local organizations can draw inspiration from SEKEM’s approach by integrating:
Sustainable supply chains and fair trade practices.
Investment in education, infrastructure, and community well-being.
A vision for shared prosperity that aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship.
About SEKEM
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish, SEKEM transformed the Egyptian desert into a thriving hub for sustainable development. Known as Egypt’s “organic pioneer,” SEKEM produces and markets organic food, textiles, and herbal medicines locally and internationally.
SEKEM reinvests profits into the SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF), which operates schools, medical centers, and the Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development. Recognized globally, SEKEM received the Alternative Nobel Prize in 2003 and continues to be a beacon of innovation and holistic development.
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