What took me to the UN

I was invited to the United Nations' International Labour Organization for a consultative meeting with the stakeholders of the entrepreneurial system to conduct a start-up ecosystem mapping for the first time in Sri Lanka on the 17th of January 2025

This is my first time to even go to the United Nations and I'm grateful that I was invited. In my invitation it mentioned that I was invited for the potential that I showcased as a young entrepreneur 

There were only four young entrepreneurs who were invited while the rest was about 50 other massive stakeholders and entrepreneurs themselves

But, what exactly made me to the UN?

I was pondering about the "potential" and yes, I think I figured out 

1. social impact: aligns with 10 SDGs of UN

From healing pets to creating industries, employment and promoting innovation, my work expands in the most sustainable ways

2. health impact: promotes longevity and sustainability of pets directly and human beings indirectly 

3. financial impact: passed the break even point in 3 months, foreign currency flow, multiple revenue 

 
4. scalability: reached 11 countries in 6 months 

5. innovative impact: patentable and eligible for several IP right streams

I neither come from an influential family, nor do I influence anyone to showcase my work.

The most close friends and clients will surely agree with it as I always chose the "slow & silent flow" but this, I thought I should write about. However, I now have made it to the United Nations too!

I'm nothing but grateful for recognizing my work and inviting me to a place that I never had even thought I would be invited to 

Key Takeaways:

1. Don't copy. Just be authentic 

2. Don't compete. Be better for yourself 

3. Don't expect. Just do real work 

Image: taken on 17th January 2025