The SEKEM Festival 2025 gathered changemakers, partners, and friends from around the world from October 10–12 in Graz, Stainz, and Flamberg. Over three inspiring days, participants explored how vision becomes action — how ecology, economy, culture, and community can grow together in harmony.
The festival opened in Graz with a celebration of vision, sustainability, and collective responsibility for a regenerative future. In a moment of great honor, SEKEM CEO Helmy Abouleish received the Golden Badge of Honor of the City of Graz from Mayor Elke Kahr, recognizing SEKEM’s long-standing commitment to sustainable human development and its global impact. The distinction symbolized the collective effort of all those advancing SEKEM’s mission toward a more conscious and life-serving economy.
Throughout the day, inspiring keynotes and a lively panel connected SEKEM’s work in Egypt with Austrian changemakers, exploring how values-based economies and holistic education can nurture resilient communities. The evening concluded with music and shared celebration, reflecting SEKEM’s belief that true progress unites art, culture, and community life.
The following day invited participants to move from reflection to action under the theme “We Are the Change.” Through dialogue and creative collaboration, they explored how letting go of old patterns can make space for renewal. In open-space sessions, new project ideas emerged in fields such as education, sustainable agriculture, and social innovation. The day closed with a symbolic “Planting of Seeds” ceremony, reminding everyone that regeneration begins when people act together with awareness and purpose.
On the final day, the journey continued into the fertile landscapes of Stainz and Flamberg, where ideas of regeneration meet real practice on biodynamic farms. Mayor Karl Bohnstingl of Stainz welcomed the group, expressing his appreciation for SEKEM’s holistic approach to sustainability. Visits to KLEINeFARM and other biodynamic initiatives offered participants firsthand experience of ecological and social regeneration in action.
Together, these three days in Austria became a living reminder that true change begins within each person — and unfolds when we act collectively with awareness and purpose