Un Agency To Launch Blockchain Education, Advisory Programs For...
The United Nations is preparing to launch a blockchain academy for governments and a UN-led blockchain advisory group to assist countries in adopting the technology.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plans to launch two initiatives aimed at helping countries adopt blockchain technology.
Robert Pasicko, the leader of UNDP’s financial technology team, AltFinLab, told Cointelegraph at the UN City offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, that the organization plans to launch a blockchain education program for government officials alongside a blockchain advisory body.
The initiative builds on the UNDP’s existing blockchain academy for UN staff, now aimed at helping governments implement blockchain in real-world applications.
Pasicko said that “in a few weeks,” the new academy will begin operations and select four governments to work with. He expects formal approval for the initiative within one to two weeks.
“Training is just part of it,” Pasicko said, noting that the organization will also help initiatives move further through project development. He said that research conducted by the UNDP found 300 potential use cases for governments willing to adopt blockchain technology.
Related: UN agency to upskill governments on crypto tech next year
Pasicko said the idea for a UNDP-led blockchain advisory organization was discussed during a UN general assembly in New York attended by 25 of the top blockchain companies, including the Ethereum Foundation, Stellar Foundation and Polygon Labs. “If everything goes well,” the project could go live in two to three months, he said.
Pasicko noted that the UNDP already has pilots in 20 countries aimed at improving financial inclusion through blockchain technology. One partner is Decaf, a crypto-powered payment system that helps individuals access financial services without the need for banks. “How much longer do you need ordinary banks if you can bypass them with such apps?” Pasicko asked.
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Source: CoinTelegraph
