After a successful beta phase that certified over 30 UN personnel, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is taking its Blockchain Academy global, offering blockchain and web3 training to 24,000 personnel worldwide, drawn from UNDP, UN Volunteers, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

The expanded initiative, announced on November 19 2024, marks a significant milestone in UNDP’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for sustainable development. The training programme, delivered in partnership with the Algorand Foundation, aims to equip UN personnel with practical knowledge of blockchain technology and its applications in development projects.

“At UNDP, we recognize that emerging technologies like blockchain have the potential to transform how we deliver development solutions,” said Burcu Mavis, blockchain academy and accelerator lead at UNDP.

“By launching the Academy, we aim to equip participants with the tools and insights to design blockchain solutions while fostering a dynamic community of practice that enables collaboration and the sharing of best practices to address common challenges.”

The academy’s curriculum has evolved significantly since its initial announcement in late 2023. During its beta phase, the programme added more than 18 hours of training content, focusing on practical applications of blockchain technology in sustainable development projects.

Doro Unger-Lee, head of education and financial inclusion at the Algorand Foundation, emphasised the transformative potential of blockchain technology: “Blockchain is one of these essential technologies, as its transparency and efficiency makes sustainable development programmes even more impactful. Our aim in launching this academy alongside UNDP is to help more personnel understand Blockchain.”

UNDP’s blockchain journey began in 2015, and the organisation has since implemented various blockchain solutions in multiple countries. Implementations range from tracking cocoa supply chains to democratising energy trading and enabling digital impact coins for investment.

Through its Alternative Finance Lab, UNDP is working with the Algorand Foundation and other blockchain partners to accelerate blockchain adoption in development through:

• Training initiatives,,
• Project incubation
• Technical support,
• Knowledge sharing. across the UN system.

The Algorand Foundation’s involvement extends beyond the academy. In June 2024, the foundation led the creation of a council focused on increasing access to blockchain-based cash assistance during humanitarian crises, collaborating with major organisations including WorldPay, Circle, and UNDP.

The initiative aligns with UNDP’s mission of fighting poverty, inequality, and climate change. By combining practical training with access to ecosystem expertise, the Blockchain Academy aims to accelerate the implementation of blockchain solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusion in development programmes.

The Algorand blockchain has proven particularly suitable for development applications due to its low fees, instant finality, and minimal carbon footprint. Its features have attracted millions of retail users and developers who appreciate the platform’s accessibility, including its support for common programming languages like Python.

The expansion of the Blockchain Academy represents a step forward in mainstreaming blockchain technology in the UN. By providing comprehensive training to thousands of personnel, UNDP is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation in international development, ensuring its workforce can leverage blockchain solutions for maximum social impact.

The academy’s global rollout helps show the UNDP’s commitment to building internal capacity for blockchain technology implementation. The latest initiative could potentially transform how international development programs are designed and delivered. It could serve as a model for other international organisations looking to integrate blockchain technology into their operations.

(Photo by United Nations)

See also: How blockchain can accelerate the United Nations’ most sustainable development goals

Want to learn more about blockchain from industry leaders? Check out Blockchain Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California and London.

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