Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development (HU) successfully hosted the second edition of the Sustainable Development for Global Impact (SDGI) Conference 2026, bringing together 279 participants from around the world, including Saudi Arabia, UK, Uganda, South Africa, Germany, Portugal, Serbia, USA, Netherlands & Spain. The two days were filled with scientific exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and practical engagement around key sustainability challenges facing Egypt, the MENA region, and the wider global community.
SDGI 2026 featured 40 presenters, three high-level panel discussions, two keynote sessions, 16 parallel oral presentation tracks, a dedicated poster session, and 20 hands-on workshops. The programme brought together researchers, academics, practitioners, and sustainability leaders to explore how knowledge, innovation, and collaboration can be translated into practical solutions and meaningful impact.
“For the second year, the SDGI conference creates a space for innovation and insights on global challenges & solutions, not only in higher education, but across the four pillars of sustainable development. This year, it was held as part of the first sustainability week at Heliopolis University, where university students, our community and general participants from diverse backgrounds joined to create impact, locally and globally.” said Helmy Abouleish, Chair of Board of Trustees of Heliopolis University & CEO of SEKEM.
The conference was structured around the four interconnected sustainable development pillars of Sekem Vision Goals: Ecology, Economy, Society, and Culture, reflecting the university’s holistic approach to sustainable development. Discussions and presentations covered topics including climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, water management, sustainable business and finance, entrepreneurship, education, cultural heritage, health and wellbeing, social equity, and sustainable communities.
Across the two-day programme, participants engaged in practical workshops addressing topics such as circular design, climate change and carbon sequestration, sustainable construction materials, green entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment, social equity, sustainable agriculture, geothermal energy, water solutions, human-centered design, and healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
The closing ceremony of the SDGI conference included the announcement of two partnerships to advance the sustainable development of the university students and community, by the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs), with Sultan Ventures, represented by its Managing Partner, Omar Sultan, and Climatify, represented by its Co-founder & CEO, Mai Moawad. Both MoUs were signed by Dr. Ahmed Elshazly, representing Heliopolis University in his capacity as Vice President for Community Development and Partnerships, and witnessed by Dr. Gouda Helal, the University President.
A major highlight of the conference was the inauguration of the SEKEM Sustainability Award, established to recognize organizations and institutions making meaningful contributions to sustainable development in Egypt. The award recognizes sustainability as an integrated process connecting people, society, nature, and the economy, with winners selected by an independent jury across four categories: Ecological Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability & Cultural Sustainability.
The inaugural winners were announced during the SDGI 2026 Closing Ceremony, with each recipient presented with the SEKEM Sustainability Award Trophy. The winners were:
SEKEM Cultural Sustainability Award: Banlastic Egypt, for the Alexandria Green Film Festival initiative, represented by Co-founder and R&D Head, Ms. Manar Ramadan.
SEKEM Ecological Sustainability Award: MicroFert, represented by Co-founder & CEO, Ms. Hend Elsawy.
SEKEM Economic Sustainability Award: HORUS | Mobility Data Solutions, represented by Vice President of Automotive Services, Mr. Kareem Morsy.
SEKEM Societal Sustainability Award: Beltone Holding, for the Eco-Champions initiative, represented by Head of Sustainability, Ms. Vivianne Bibawy.
Building on the foundation established by its inaugural edition in 2025, SDGI 2026 further strengthened the conference as a platform for scientific dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical innovation. By connecting academia, industry, policymakers, practitioners, and wider society, the conference reinforced the importance of translating knowledge and partnerships into action for a more sustainable future in Egypt, the MENA region, and beyond.
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