The Menakh 2024 Forum, held from November 9 to 11 held in Egypt, concluded with powerful outcomes that underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate challenges. Hosted by Berytech and funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the MENA region, the event brought together 20 dynamic changemakers from across the region to SEKEM, an internationally acclaimed sustainable development initiative in Egypt.
SEKEM Farm, renowned for its pioneering organic farming practices and community-driven sustainability initiatives, provided a fitting backdrop—a living example of holistic climate action in practice.
Over the three days, changemakers—including journalists, researchers, innovators, etc—engaged in meaningful dialogues, each contributing unique perspectives to the conversations. This intentional mix of voices emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to climate solutions, recognizing that change requires collective efforts across sectors.
Key Highlights from Menakh 2024
Menakh 2024 welcomed an impressive lineup of speakers, setting the tone for three days of deep dialogue and learning. Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM Group, shared the farm’s journey toward sustainability and its vision for a regenerative future. Jacob Waslander, Envoy for Water, Energy, and Food at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened the forum with an inspiring address, emphasizing the urgency of action. Other notable contributions came from Lara El Khoury, Programs Director at Berytech, and Nadine El Asmar, Lead Facilitator and Coach, who guided participants through impactful sessions.
Transformative Workshops
The forum was designed to provide participants with practical tools and strategies through interactive panels and workshops. Key themes such as systemic thinking and stakeholder management were explored in depth. A standout exercise, utilizing the “problem-tree” approach, guided participants in analyzing critical regional challenges, including water access, green finance, renewable energy, food security, and biodiversity conservation. This method helped identify root causes and develop targeted, actionable solutions, equipping participants with valuable insights to address these urgent issues effectively.
Green Finance for Climate Action
One of the standout sessions was the panel on green finance, featuring Amir Gerges (Founder, Carboni Bank), Marta Santamaria (Founder, Integrating Capitals), and Shada Sharif (Founder, SustainMENA). The panel explored the integration of climate considerations into financial markets and the potential of green finance, climate bonds, and sustainable investment strategies. Panelists discussed how financial institutions can contribute to a low-carbon economy while remaining profitable, emphasizing blended finance and the need for regulatory support. Innovative approaches, particularly in fintech, were highlighted as critical to overcoming barriers and accelerating the adoption of sustainable financial solutions.
Collaboration and Commitment
The final session of Menakh 2024 brought together diverse voices for an informal dialogue, featuring Yasmeen Fahmy (GIZ Egypt), Mohammad Ezz (Delta Oil), Salma Essawi (Academy of Scientific Research and Technology), Mr. Gamal El Sayed (SEKEM Schools), Ms. Menna Mohamed Abdelhameed (Entrepreneurship Center), and Ms. Angela Hofmann (Egyptian Biodynamic Association). Discussions emphasized fostering collaboration among stakeholders, bridging gaps between researchers, business support organizations, and innovators, and embedding climate awareness early in education and community development.
Menakh 2024 showcased the power of collective action, with participants exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and making personal pledges to advance their climate missions. Journalists played a vital role in amplifying the forum’s message, ensuring its impact reaches far beyond the event.
“We need partnerships because the challenges related to climate and biodiversity are both urgent and immense. No one can tackle them alone—we must work together.” – Jacob Waslander, Envoy for Water, Energy, and Food at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
