The 2025 Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) concluded last month, highlighting the pivotal role of youth in driving sustainable development across the region. Preceding the forum, the Youth Forum 2025 brought together 549 young leaders from 34 countries and territories, culminating in a Youth Call-to-Action. This document outlined their demands and recommendations for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The APFSD showcased 37 presentations from 11 countries and 18 groundbreaking innovations from 10 nations, reflecting the region’s commitment to creative and collaborative solutions. Among the innovators was Lilan Dayananda, the Managing Director and CEO of Elzian Agro, who presented the Elzian-Agro-Aqua project, Digital Aquaponics for ornamental fish farming communities in Sri Lanka. Targeting SDG 14, the initiative addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers and fishing communities, such as declining fish stocks, water scarcity, and limited access to sustainable practices.
Elzian Agro integrates IoT-based monitoring systems and aquaponics technology to enhance food security, economic resilience, and marine conservation. By combining fish farming with plant cultivation, the initiative maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. Key features include real-time data on water quality, fish health, and crop growth, as well as AI-powered tools for fish quantification, gender identification, and size sorting. Regular training sessions will empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and utilize the digital platform effectively.
The project aims to boost aquaculture productivity by 20%, reduce water usage by 30%, and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers and fishing families. It also promotes marine conservation by encouraging responsible farming practices and community engagement. Elzian Agro is seeking partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to scale the initiative and ensure its long-term impact.
Elzian Agro’s innovation exemplifies the transformative potential of youth-led solutions in addressing global challenges. By leveraging technology and community collaboration, the project sets a powerful example for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
