SEKEM Initiative was founded with the vision of sustainable development. It aims to develop the individual, society and environment through a holistic approach which integrates ecology, economy, societal and cultural life. Today, the vision that brought Ibrahim Abouleish to dig the first well in the vast desert land still resounds in all of SEKEMs activities. Like a compass, our vision, mission and values guide us in the everyday work in all SEKEM institutions. Our Vision “Sustainable development towards a future where every human being can unfold his individual potential; where mankind lives together in social forms reflecting human dignity; and where all economic activity is conducted in accordance with ecological and ethical principles.” SEKEM Initiative was founded in 1977 by Ibrahim Abouleish to strengthen Sustainable Development in Egypt by producing, processing, and marketing Organic and Biodynamic foodstuff, textiles, and phyto-pharmaceuticals in Egypt, the Arab World, and on international markets. SEKEM has been widely praised as an “Egyptian organic pioneer” and has received the 2003 Right Livelihood Award (“Alternative Nobel Prize”) as a „Business Model for the 21th Century” and an “economy of love”. With part of their profits the SEKEM companies co-finance the social and cultural activities of the SEKEM Development Foundation that runs, among others, schools and a Medical Centre. In 2012 Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development opened under the umbrella of SEKEM Initiative.