The United Nations Development Programme has launched a new Blockchain Advisory Group to examine how blockchain technology can support public good, strengthen digital public infrastructure, and help address global development challenges.
The group was officially introduced on June 3, 2026, in Paris during Proof of Talk 2026. The initiative brings together senior leaders and organizations from across the blockchain ecosystem to explore practical ways blockchain can improve public systems and create measurable development impact.
Blockchain for Development Takes Center Stage
The newly launched advisory group is designed to create a bridge between development institutions and blockchain innovators. Its goal is to identify where blockchain can provide real value in areas such as financial access, digital identity, governance, public service delivery, transparency, and sustainability.
At its first meeting, the group focused on financial inclusion and digital finance. Participants discussed common barriers that limit access to financial services, including fragmented payment networks, digital identity gaps, limited interoperability, and the readiness of public institutions to adopt emerging technologies.
By examining these challenges, the UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group aims to better understand how blockchain can complement existing infrastructure rather than replace it.
Why the UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group Matters
Blockchain technology has often been associated with cryptocurrency markets, but its potential use cases go beyond digital assets. For governments and development organizations, blockchain can support transparent systems, trackable transactions, digital credentials, decentralized finance tools, and improved public sector efficiency.
UNDP’s initiative signals a growing interest in blockchain as part of the broader digital transformation of public institutions. The group will explore how blockchain can contribute to more trusted, inclusive, and accountable public systems.
According to UNDP, its work in blockchain already spans regions including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific. These efforts include projects connected to digital payments, climate finance, public procurement, identity systems, traceability, and public service delivery.
Financial Inclusion Is the First Priority
The advisory group’s first deep-dive theme focused on financial inclusion. This is a major area where blockchain advocates believe the technology can offer benefits, particularly in regions where people face limited access to traditional banking, payment infrastructure, or verified digital identity.
Blockchain-based systems may help improve cross-border payments, lower transaction costs, support digital finance platforms, and create more transparent financial infrastructure. However, adoption depends on regulation, institutional capacity, interoperability, and public trust.
The advisory group is expected to examine these issues through a development-focused lens, emphasizing practical implementation over speculation.
UNDP Expands Its Blockchain and Digital Innovation Work
The launch also builds on UNDP’s broader efforts around sustainable development, digital public infrastructure, and emerging technology partnerships.
Alongside the advisory group’s inaugural meeting, UNDP’s AltFinLab hosted a series of events under the theme “Scaling Blockchain for Public Good.” These included an SDG Blockchain Accelerator Impact Showcase, highlighting blockchain and decentralized AI solutions being developed for real-world development contexts.
A public dialogue was also held in collaboration with the Sciences Po Tech & Global Affairs Innovation Hub. The discussion brought together governments, researchers, blockchain leaders, and development professionals to examine blockchain adoption in public systems and financial inclusion.
Key Areas the Blockchain Advisory Group Will Explore
The UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group is expected to meet twice a year. Each meeting will focus on a different development priority, helping participants move from high-level discussion toward concrete opportunities for collaboration.
The group’s future focus areas include:
Public trust and digital governance
Inclusive societies and legal identity
Financial inclusion and digital financial services
Sustainability, climate finance, and trackable responsibility
Digital labour and the future of work
These themes reflect the growing role of blockchain in conversations about digital transformation, responsible innovation, and sustainable development.
Major Blockchain Organizations Join the Initiative
The Blockchain Advisory Group currently includes 26 member organizations from across the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.
Members include the Algorand Foundation, Arbitrum Foundation, Avalanche Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Celo Foundation, Ethereum Foundation, Filecoin Foundation, Interchain Foundation, Kraken, Stellar Development Foundation, Sui Foundation, Web3 Foundation, and several other organizations focused on blockchain infrastructure, public goods, decentralized systems, and ecosystem development.
The broad membership shows UNDP’s intention to engage with different blockchain networks, foundations, and industry groups rather than focusing on a single platform or technology provider.
Blockchain’s Role in Public Good Is Still Evolving
While blockchain has generated major attention in finance and Web3, its role in public systems remains a developing field. The UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group could help shape a more practical conversation about where blockchain is useful, where it is not, and what conditions are needed for responsible adoption.
For the blockchain industry, the initiative represents an opportunity to demonstrate real-world value beyond speculation. For development institutions, it provides a structured way to evaluate blockchain’s potential in areas such as inclusion, transparency, identity, climate finance, and governance.
As governments and global organizations continue exploring digital public infrastructure, the UNDP’s new advisory group may become an important forum for connecting blockchain innovation with public-sector needs.
Conclusion
The launch of the UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group marks a significant step in exploring blockchain technology for public good. By bringing together development leaders and major blockchain organizations, UNDP aims to identify practical ways emerging technologies can support stronger public systems and better development outcomes.
With financial inclusion as its first focus area and future discussions planned around identity, governance, sustainability, and digital work, the advisory group could help define how blockchain contributes to global development in the years ahead.
