Next Economies Forum 2027 to Convene Global Change-makers at Heliopolis University, Cairo
The Next Economies Forum is coming to Egypt, and is happening from 4 to 6 April 2027 at Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development in Cairo. Under the theme “United in Action”, the forum is set to bring together researchers, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, activists, as well as business and civil society leaders from across the globe, to advance socially just and sustainable economic models.
The selection of Egypt as host country reflects its growing role in shaping conversations around sustainable development, social innovation, and inclusive economic transformation. The forum's convening at Heliopolis University, the academic and research arm of the SEKEM initiative, provides an inspiring setting for a gathering focused on turning knowledge into collective action that shapes the next economies ecosystem with long-term impact.
The three-day program opens on 4 April with an Opening Reception welcoming participants from across the globe for an evening of connection and shared intention. Days two and three (5 and 6 April) will feature a dynamic agenda of remarkable keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and community forums held across the university campus.
Among the anticipated keynote speakers are: Colombian thinker and activist Sandra Moreno Cadena, Executive Secretary of the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS), Reema Nanavaty, an award-winning leader in social transformation for her impactful work with Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India, Triodos Bank Chief Economist Hans Stegeman, who leads the bank’s economic and sustainability research while shaping its impact strategy, and Helmy Abouleish, Chief Executive Officer of Sekem.
The forum, co-organized by Türetim - Prosumer Economy Society and Heliopolis University, is supported by an extensive Partners' Council that brings together organizations and networks working across economic transformation, climate justice, social innovation and regenerative development. Key partners include SEKEM, Ashoka, the Club of Rome, Earth4All, Economy of Love, Greenpeace, Oxfam, WEAll, World Future Council, Bounce Beyond, Rethinking Economics, the Democracy Collaborative, ECOnGOOD, and the Global Tapestry of Alternatives, among many others. Their collective participation reflects the forum's commitment to convening a genuinely diverse and cross-sectoral global community.
Beyond its international significance, the forum will also serve as a milestone on the road to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SEKEM initiative in 2027. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish, SEKEM has become one of the world's most recognized models for holistic sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and regenerative economics. Over five decades, the initiative has transformed desert land into thriving, productive ecosystems through biodynamic and organic agriculture, while creating integrated solutions across education, healthcare, culture, and sustainable business.
SEKEM was founded on the belief that economic success can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and human development. The vision that inspired Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish to green the Egyptian desert continues to guide SEKEM today, serving as a compass for its mission, values, and daily work across all SEKEM companies and institutions. The Next Economies Forum 2027 will therefore provide a fitting global experience to reflect on SEKEM's pioneering journey while exploring the next chapter of sustainable economic transformation worldwide.
"The Next Economies Forum 2027 comes at a particularly meaningful moment as SEKEM celebrates 50 years of pioneering sustainable development in Egypt and beyond. What began in 1977 as a vision to transform desert land into thriving communities has evolved into a globally recognized model for regenerative development and human-centered economic model. Hosting this forum at Heliopolis University reflects our belief that the next economies must be built on collaboration, dignity, ecological responsibility, and shared prosperity. We are proud to welcome global change-makers to Egypt to help shape the next chapter of this journey together." said Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM.
Dr. Uygar Özesmi, the Board Chair of Türetim - Prosumer Economy Society said, “Next Economies Forum 2027 is moving past outdated exploitative economic models. Together with Heliopolis University, SEKEM, and all our partners, we are providing the infrastructure of coherence and joint action for an economic systems transformation for the well-being of both people and the planet ."
By bringing together global thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators committed to systemic change, the Next Economies Forum 2027 aims to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate the transition toward economic systems that place people, communities, and the planet at their core.