SEKEM was founded in 1977 with the vision of Ibrahim Abouleish, an Egyptian pharmacologist. Ibrahim earned a doctorate in medical chemistry in Austria, where he then worked initially in research and development. Upon returning to Egypt he was overwhelmed by its pressing problems in education and overpopulation, which led him to implement biodynamic farming methods for the first time in the desert. For this unique approach, SEKEM was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, in 2003. Helmy Abouleish, Managing Director of the SEKEM Group, joined his father’s quest for sustainable development by building SEKEM into a leading entrepreneurial corporation. He is a recognized leader of sustainable change in Egypt and beyond, driving a number of initiatives that address major challenges like climate change and food security through organic agriculture and social entrepreneurship.