A moment of immense national pride was celebrated on the 24th November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Oceanpick, South Asia’s trailblazing oceanic fish farm and a true champion of responsible aquaculture was honored as a Top 5 Finalist in the prestigious UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards for the Sustainable Supply Chains category. This honor is a triumph not only for Oceanpick but for Sri Lanka itself, firmly positioning the island nation on the global map as a destination for sustainable, world-class aquaculture.
From over 2,000 registrations representing 172 Member States, Oceanpick earned this recognition for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and leadership in creating responsible food systems that nourish people whilst safeguarding the planet. This achievement was announced during the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference and Global Industry Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme: The Power of Investment and Partnerships to Accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals.
Oceanpick’s selection underscored its pioneering status as the first ocean-based barramundi farm in South Asia. As a trailblazer in South Asia’s oceanic farming, Oceanpick sets the benchmark for responsible, and verifiable oceanic aquaculture, ensuring complete transparency, providing consumers with verifiable information on the origin and journey of their seafood. Furthermore, its continuous commitment to livelihood generation in Trincomalee, promotion of inclusive economic growth, and dedication to gender equality are significant factors that underscore its alignment with UN SDGs.
Irfan Thassim, Founder and CEO of Oceanpick, shared a powerful reflection on this achievement. “We are honored to represent Sri Lanka on this global stage. This recognition reminds us why we began our journey. For Oceanpick, sustainability was never an afterthought,it has always been the responsibility we chose to embrace… building a better future for food starts with practices that respect the ocean, empower communities, and safeguard generations to come.”
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. O.L. Ameerajwad stated: “Oceanpick’s recognition at this global platform reflects Sri Lanka’s dedication to sustainable industry and innovation. This recognition highlights the growing synergy between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia and Saudi Vision 2030 in championing responsible food production.”
UNIDO Director General emphasized, “Together, we can transform industries for a sustainable future. The UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards celebrate innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility where profitability and sustainability go hand-in-hand.”
Oceanpick farms sustainably in the pristine waters of Trincomalee, driven by a bold vision to redefine global aquaculture. Its mission is to deliver fully traceable, carbon-conscious seafood while protecting marine ecosystems and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Image Caption: Founder and CEO of Oceanpick, Irfan Thassim, with the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards Merit Recognition in the Sustainable Supply Chains category.
