UNDP establishes a blockchain advisory group to explore public service applications

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently announced at Proof of Talk 2026 in Paris the establishment of the Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG), focusing on leveraging blockchain technology to optimize public systems and governance development. The inaugural meeting was hosted by UNDP Deputy Director Xu Haoliang, with an in-depth discussion centering on inclusive finance and digital finance. Participants examined obstacles such as fragmented payment systems, restrictions on digital identity, lack of interoperability, and institutional readiness, while evaluating how blockchain could complement existing digital public infrastructure to improve financial accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.

BAG plans to hold meetings twice a year, promoting cooperation with the blockchain ecosystem around themes such as digital governance and public trust, legal identity and inclusive society, digital financial services, climate and traceable accountability, digital labor and the future of work. Current members include the Ethereum Foundation, Filecoin Foundation, Stellar Development Foundation, Algorand Foundation, Arbitrum Foundation, Celo Foundation, Web3 Foundation, and a certain exchange, totaling 26 institutions.