"Sustainable Development is one of the most important challenges to man and it means the creation of living conditions today which will still allow future generations to live with dignity." Ibrahim Abouleish (1937 – 2017) founded SEKEM in 1977, an initiative which fosters sustainable development towards a future where every human being can unfold their individual potential, where mankind lives together in social forms reflecting human dignity, and where all economic activities are conducted in accordance with ecological and ethical principles. Abouleish established Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development in 2009; the first university in the Middle East declaring sustainable development as its main guiding principal. Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development was inaugurated in 2012 with the aim to pioneer the introduction of the concepts and principles of sustainable development to its students and to the Egyptian community at large. The non-profit oriented university includes the faculties of Engineering, Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Business and Economics, Physical Therapy, and Organic Agriculture. The degree programs offered at Heliopolis University address the concepts and theories of sustainable development through a multi-disciplinary holistic approach that integrates teaching, learning, research, and practice. In addition, all students participate in the cross-faculty Core Program which presents arts, music, theater, languages and much more, striving to unlock creativity and innovation. The program further enriches the learning experience by focusing on sustainability and human development.
