UNDP to educate public sector leaders on blockchain, AI, and digital innovation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is preparing to launch a new “Government Blockchain Academy” aimed at helping governments adopt emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost transparency, inclusion, and economic growth.
Blockchain and AI for development goals
According to the UNDP, the academy will be developed in partnership with the Exponential Science Foundation, a not-for-profit focused on advancing blockchain and AI education. The program is expected to begin rolling out in 2026, with curriculum design starting this year.
The academy’s mission is to provide governments with specialized training and implementation programs that enable them to leverage blockchain and other technologies for national development.
Irena Cerovic, UNDP team leader for Europe and Central Asia, explained: “The academy will allow countries to tackle complex development challenges in new ways and move from experimentation to implementation in ways that strengthen transparency, inclusion, and resilience.”
Practical applications for governance
The initiative will focus on how blockchain can support financial services, digital payments, and verifiable digital credentials to expand access to essential resources.
Other areas of focus include:
- Tamper-resistant recordkeeping for public procurement to reduce corruption.
- Tokenization and smart contracts to track and manage climate finance, such as carbon credits.
- Digital ID systems that enhance access to government services in developing nations.
Supporting developing economies
The UNDP noted that countries such as India, Pakistan, and Vietnam are already leading in crypto adoption, according to recent Chainalysis data. By providing structured blockchain education, the UNDP aims to give governments the tools to integrate emerging technologies into national priorities.
The program will be offered through a mix of in-person sessions, online learning, and international forums, ensuring accessibility for policymakers worldwide.
Building on earlier blockchain initiatives
The planned government-focused academy follows the UNDP’s 2023 Blockchain Academy, launched with support from the Algorand Foundation. That program trained more than 22,000 UNDP staff members to apply blockchain solutions to sustainable development efforts.
With the new initiative, the UNDP seeks to move from internal training to direct government engagement, creating high-impact projects that could shape digital governance for the next decade.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
