The United Nations Development Program (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 at Proof of Talk 2026 in Paris. The initiative, chaired by UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu, 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 the planet.”
Unlike many blockchain discussions that focus on cryptocurrencies and token prices, the group’s mission focuses on practical use cases that can benefit governments, institutions and underserved communities.
The inaugural meeting focused on financial inclusion and digital finance, exploring challenges such as unorganized payment systems, limited access to digital identity, interoperability issues and institutional preparedness.
Can Blockchain solve problems that governments are still struggling with?
The launch builds on several blockchain projects already supported by UNDP in 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 responsibility
- Digital governance
- Future of work.
Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, UNDP is evaluating where blockchain can improve transparency, reduce inefficiencies and expand access to essential services.
In addition to the launch, UNDP’s AltFinLab initiative organized a series of events under the banner ‘Scaling Blockchain for Public Good’.
One of the highlights was the SDG Blockchain Accelerator Impact Showcase, featuring blockchain and decentralized AI projects already moving towards implementation in development programs.
What comes next for the Blockchain Advisory Group?
The newly formed advisory group will meet twice a 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 responsibility 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.