The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is poised to launch blockchain education and advisory programs aimed at assisting governments in adopting blockchain technology. These initiatives build upon the UNDP's existing blockchain academy for UN staff, extending its focus to facilitate the implementation of blockchain in real-world applications for governments.
Robert Pasicko, the leader of UNDP's financial technology team, AltFinLab, revealed that the organization plans to launch a blockchain education program for government officials, along with a blockchain advisory body. The new academy is expected to commence operations soon, with plans to select four governments to collaborate with initially. Formal approval for the initiative is anticipated within the next two weeks.
Beyond training, the UNDP aims to support initiatives through project development. Research conducted by the UNDP has identified approximately 300 potential use cases for governments interested in adopting blockchain technology. These use cases span various sectors, including financial services, digital IDs, public procurement, smart contracts, and climate finance, with the goal of enhancing transparency, inclusion, and resilience.
The concept of a UNDP-led blockchain advisory organization was discussed during a UN General Assembly in New York, with participation from 25 leading blockchain companies, including the Ethereum Foundation, Stellar Foundation, and Polygon Labs. If all progresses as planned, the project could be operational within two to three months.
The UNDP already has pilot projects underway in 20 countries, focused on enhancing financial inclusion through blockchain technology. One partner in this endeavor is Decaf, a crypto-powered payment system that enables individuals to access financial services without traditional banks. Pasicko drew a comparison between the evolution of banking infrastructure and the decline of public phone booths, suggesting the potential obsolescence of ATMs.
In a related development, the UNDP announced the "Government Blockchain Academy" in September, in partnership with the Exponential Science Foundation. This academy aims to drive public sector innovation by providing specialized education and implementation programs that harness emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). The academy is designed to assist governments in navigating digital transformation and addressing development challenges in areas such as inclusive digital finance, transparent governance, supply chain integrity, climate resilience, and digital identity solutions. The Government Blockchain Academy will officially launch its first country programs in 2026, with preparatory work, curriculum design, and stakeholder engagement commencing in 2025.
