Elevate 2025: Celebrating Social Cohesion & Climate Innovation

The ‘Elevate 2025’ event marked a significant milestone where youth-led initiatives

implemented by women and youth-led community-based organisations showcased their

projects, reshaping their communities. On the 1st of July 2025, we proudly celebrated two

groundbreaking programmes: the Social Cohesion Grants and the Climate Innovation Grants.

These initiatives stand as powerful examples of what can be achieved when communities are

empowered to lead. This initiative was implemented by the Alliance Development Trust in

partnership with the UNFPA Sri Lanka and generously supported by the Government of Japan.

Implemented in collaboration with 11 dynamic organisations across 12 districts, these

transformative projects have demonstrated the profound impact of community-driven solutions.

They reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of local leaders, particularly youth, women

and marginalised groups, who are stepping forward to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Each project showcased during Elevate 2025 brought to the forefront through exhibits and

stalls, unique stories of resilience, innovation, and community-led impact. These stories

highlight the courage, vision, and determination of individuals who have risen above adversity and their bold efforts towards healing, unity, and innovative climate solutions, reminding us of the power of local leadership in driving meaningful change.

The event captivated participants with panel discussions, awareness sessions, forum theatre

performances, puppet shows, games, and many more interactive activities. Throughout, the

sessions reinforced the importance of a multi-sectoral and innovative approach to achieving

social cohesion and effective climate action.

The official ceremony took place with the participation of key dignitaries, including Hon.

Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Kenji OHASHI –

First Secretary and Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Section at the

Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka and

Mr. Godfrey Yogarajah - CEO, Alliance Development Trust.

Elevate 2025 was more than a platform for showcasing success. It was a call to action:

to transcend differences, build bridges across divides, and work towards a future

anchored in justice, peace, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights and

climate resilience.