The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a new Blockchain Advisory Group that brings together 26 organizations, including the Ethereum Foundation, Cardano, and Stellar, to explore how blockchain can improve financial access, digital identity, public services, and climate initiatives worldwide.
UNDP Wants Blockchain to Solve Real Challenges
The Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG) was officially launched on June 3 during Proof of Talk 2026 in Paris. Chaired by UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu, the initiative aims to create direct collaboration between development agencies and blockchain leaders.
He said that,
“Blockchain technologies are evolving rapidly, but the key question is how these innovations can meaningfully contribute to stronger public systems and better development outcomes for people and planet.”
Unlike many blockchain discussions that focus on cryptocurrencies and token prices, the group’s mission is centered on practical use cases that could benefit governments, institutions, and underserved communities.
The inaugural meeting focused on financial inclusion and digital finance, examining challenges such as disorganized payment systems, limited access to digital identity, interoperability issues, and institutional readiness.
Can Blockchain Fix Problems Governments Still Struggle With?
The launch builds on several blockchain projects already supported by the UNDP across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
These projects have explored blockchain-based solutions for;
- Financial inclusion
- Digital identity
- Climate accountability
- Digital governance
- Future of work.
Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, the UNDP is evaluating where blockchain can improve transparency, reduce inefficiencies, and expand access to essential services.
Alongside the launch, UNDP’s AltFinLab initiative hosted a series of events under the banner “Scaling Blockchain for Public Good.”
One of the highlights was the SDG Blockchain Accelerator Impact Showcase, which featured blockchain and decentralized AI projects already progressing toward implementation in development programs.
What Comes Next for the Blockchain Advisory Group?
The newly formed advisory group will meet twice each year and focus on key areas where blockchain could support development goals. Future discussions will cover digital governance, public trust, legal identity, financial inclusion, sustainability, climate accountability, and the future of digital work.
Each meeting will explore a different theme, bringing together policymakers, development experts, and blockchain leaders to identify opportunities for real-world collaboration.
