When Dr Ibrahim Abouleish founded Sekem in 1977, his visionary aim was to create a new kind of sustainable community in the Egyptian desert where high quality biodynamic crops were grown, where workers and residents received holistic healthcare and their children received a meaningful education. In the years since, Sekem has gone from strength to strength, building an impressive network of farms across Egypt and Sudan, and working with local populations to bring about real social change.

In this inspiring book, Helmy Abouleish, son of Dr Abouleish and Chief Executive of Sekem, alongside Christine Arlt, describes the next stage in the development of this innovative community. Through a series of pioneering projects, they set out their vision for an integrated transformation of Egyptian society in the coming decades in areas relating to ecology, economics, culture and social transformation. Among them:

-- the provision of holistic education that recognises the potential of each person;
-- the promotion of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to help Egypt become climate neutral;
-- the development of a recycling economy based on responsible consumption and a sustainable lifestyle;
-- a celebration of diversity that ensures equal opportunities for all.

Through its practical efforts, Sekem and its community demonstrates how people the world over can feel empowered to shape their own society and develop confidence in the future.

'An excellent introduction not only to Sekem but to what can be possible in a non-European context.'
-- The Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain

'Deeply inspiring. It's a short book, but it opens the door to deeper exploration. A useful starting point for everyone interested in holistic development, ecological restoration and visionary planning within community.'
-- David Kilner for Camphill Correspondence

'A fascinating insight into what a strong, inspiring vision and action can bring about in such a country, especially out of a mix of rich values inspired by Islam and anthroposophy sensitively meeting Egyptian culture.'
-- Star and Furrow

Helmy Abouleish is the Chief Executive of Sekem, and son of founder Dr Ibrahim Abouleish. He is a member of several international organisations, including the World Economic Forum and the World Future Council, and is president of Demeter International. Helmy is a popular speaker at international events and conferences on the subject of sustainable development. He lives with his family at Sekem, north-east of Cairo, Egypt. Christine Arlt is the managing director of the German branch of Friends of Sekem. She lives in Cologne, Germany. Jeff Martin is a translator from the USA. He studied anthroposophy at Emerson College, England, and worked as a business analyst and consultant across Europe. Now retired, he has translated several books, including Becoming Fully Human by Rudolf Steiner. He lives in France.