UNDP launches vast Blockchain training and consulting initiative for governments

Growing interest in digital public infrastructure is prompting the United Nations to take a more active role in blockchain policy and training. A new wave of programs is being developed to help governments understand and apply technology in real systems. The momentum within the UN suggests a coordinated effort to guide countries through the next phase of digital transformation.

The UN prepares a vast campaign to train governments on blockchain technology

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is finalizing plans to open a blockchain academy for government officials and establish a blockchain advisory group backed by major industry players. Both of these projects build on previous work done for UN staff and are now shifting their focus towards national-level adoption.

According to Robert Pasicko, head offintech team from UNDP, AltFinLab, the academy will begin operating soon, subject to formal approval expected in one to two weeks. Four governments will be selected for the first session. Pasicko said training is only part of a larger goal of practical implementation.

UNDP research has already identified around 300 potential use cases in the public sector. Work is also progressing on a separate advisory group to guide countries evaluating blockchain tools. The idea emerged during meetings at the UN General Assembly in New York, where representatives from 25 major blockchain organizations were present.

Representatives from major blockchain projects, including the Ethereum Foundation, Stellar Foundation and Polygon Labs, participated in the discussions. Pasicko said the advisory group could launch in two to three months if planning stays on track.

UNDP pilot projects mark global shift towards decentralized financial access

Current UNDP pilots show how nations are experimenting with blockchain to expand access to financial systems. According to recent reports, programs are underway in approximately 20 countries. One partner, Decaf, offers a crypto-based payment platform that connects individuals to digital financial services, eliminating the need to rely on banks. Pasicko questioned the remaining lifespan of physical banking infrastructure if such tools continue to grow.

He likened the change to the decline of public telephone booths, which once played a central role but eventually lost relevance. In some places, notably Japan, old cabins now serve as WiFi hotspots. Pasicko suggested that ATMs could face a similar future and disappear as digital payment options expand.

Asked whether this shift would come from cryptocurrencies, stablecoins or central bank digital currencies, Pasicko predicted a mix of the three, shaped by each country's regulatory approach. What matters most, he said, is that the core technology already enables direct peer-to-peer transactions.

Pasicko also highlighted several factors driving government interest in blockchain adoption:

• Faster settlement of transactions compared to traditional systems.
• Lower operational costs for utilities.
• Clear traceability that supports transparency.
• Expanded access to financial tools in underserved areas.
• Seamless integration with existing digital platforms.

Even with this progress, Pasicko cautioned that established institutions will work to preserve their authority. Power structures may resist changes that reduce reliance on intermediaries. He added that any technology can be used for good or evil, depending on how it is guided. In his view, blockchain could either deepen the divide between powerful groups and the public or help close historic gaps in access to essential services.