In the heart of Egypt, Heliopolis University hosted its latest Social Initiative Forum. Drawing inspiration from the SEKEM Group’s dedication to ecological responsibility, the forum focused on a critical global challenge: water, with the theme “Sustainable Water Management.”
The forum, held on February 27, 2023, brought together key figures including H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Gouda Helal, President of Heliopolis University, and Mr. Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM Group and Chair of Heliopolis University Board of Trustees. The atmosphere crackled with a collective purpose: to navigate the complexities of water scarcity in Egypt.
Opening his talk with an inspiring call to action, Dr. Hani Sewilam shed light on the critical need for collaborative action in tackling water issues exacerbated by climate change and population growth. Dr. Sewilam also underscored the importance of national projects aimed at enhancing water management strategies and emphasized the pivotal role of youth in ensuring future sustainability.
Our CEO, Mr. Helmy Abouleish shared SEKEM’s inspiring journey, a testament to the power of collaboration. Dating back to 1977, Mr. Helmy talked about how SEKEM Group pioneered sustainable development, organic agriculture, and the “Economy Of Love” model, proving that seemingly insurmountable challenges can be addressed through collective action. He emphasized the necessity of uniting various stakeholders, including academia, researchers, entrepreneurs, and governing bodies, to achieve sustainable water management.
Professor Gouda Helal, President of Heliopolis University, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the university’s proactive approach. He spoke of their faculty-wide initiatives that championed education, research, and development, all aligned with the SEKEM Vision Goals for 2057.
The forum delved deep into various aspects of sustainable water management, exploring the latest advancements, innovative practices for water availability, the crucial issue of groundwater sustainability, and strategic action plans to ensure a water-secure future.
Beyond just a forum, this recent event at Heliopolis University was a powerful testament to the collective impact we can achieve when we come together. It brought individuals with a shared purpose to collaborate and showcase the potential of combined action and innovation. By working together, we can make significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable future for Egypt, one drop of water at a time.