The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a new Blockchain Advisory Group, bringing together 26 organizations from across the global blockchain ecosystem to explore how the technology can support public services, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.
The initiative unveiled during Proof of Talk 2026 in Paris and includes some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, including the Ethereum Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Stellar Development Foundation, Algorand Foundation, Arbitrum Foundation, Avalanche Foundation, Sui Foundation, Web3 Foundation, Kraken, and Cointelegraph.
According to UNDP, the advisory group will serve as a forum for collaboration between development agencies and blockchain stakeholders, helping identify practical applications for blockchain technology in areas such as digital identity, digital finance, governance, climate initiatives, and public infrastructure.
The inaugural meeting focused on financial inclusion and digital finance, with participants discussing challenges including fragmented payment systems, digital identity limitations, interoperability issues, and institutional readiness. The group explored how blockchain could complement existing infrastructure to improve transparency, efficiency, and access to financial services.
UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu, who chairs the group, said the objective is to better understand where blockchain technologies can deliver public value and strengthen public systems. The organization emphasized that the initiative is focused on real-world development outcomes rather than cryptocurrency speculation.
The launch builds on UNDP’s broader efforts to explore emerging technologies for development. The agency has previously supported blockchain-related initiatives involving digital payments, financial inclusion, digital identity, climate finance, public procurement, and supply chain traceability across multiple regions.
Moving forward, the Blockchain Advisory Group will meet twice each year, with each session focusing on a specific development theme. Planned areas of discussion include public trust and digital governance, legal identity, financial services, sustainability, climate accountability, and the future of work.
The formation of the group reflects growing interest among international organizations in blockchain’s potential beyond cryptocurrency markets. As governments and development agencies continue exploring digital infrastructure solutions, UNDP is positioning itself as a bridge between public-sector institutions and the rapidly evolving blockchain industry.
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