After
living abroad for many years, Egyptian pharmaceutical researcher
Ibrahim Abouleish had made quite a name for himself, patenting
a number of medicines. When he visited his native country in the
mid 1970s, he was shocked by the living conditions he saw in Egypt
and decided to do something about it. In 1977, he created the
organization SEKEM to help improve sustainable economic, social
and cultural development in Egypt. Over the years, SEKEM has created
numerous projects including mainstreaming organic farming methods,
establishing medical facilities, and creating schools, vocational
training and other educational opportunities for the disadvantaged.
Ibrahim Abouleish and SEKEM received the Right Livelihood Award
in 2003 for creating "a 21st century business model which
combines commercial success with social and cultural development.”
In 2004, the Schwab Foundation named him an "Outstanding
Social Entrepreneur" and in 2006 he was chosen for the World
Future Council.
