Key Takeaways

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially launched the Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG) to explore blockchain solutions for global development challenges. 

• The initiative brings together 26 blockchain organizations, including the Ethereum Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Sui Foundation, Kraken, and Cointelegraph. 

• The first meeting focused on financial inclusion, with future sessions set to cover digital governance, climate accountability, digital identity, and the future of work.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially launched the Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG), a new initiative designed to connect blockchain industry leaders with international development experts to explore practical uses of decentralized technology for the public good.

The advisory group was unveiled during Proof of Talk 2026 in Paris, marking one of the UNDP’s major engagements with the blockchain industry to date. According to the agency, the goal is to identify how blockchain can strengthen public systems, improve transparency, and support sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

First Meeting Focuses on Financial Inclusion and Digital Finance

The advisory group’s first meeting, chaired by UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu, focused on how blockchain can help improve financial inclusion and digital finance. Members discussed practical ways the technology could make financial services more accessible and efficient, especially in developing regions.

The discussion covered several challenges that still limit access to financial services, including disconnected payment systems, limited digital identity solutions, poor compatibility between platforms, and the need for governments and institutions to better prepare for emerging technologies.

“Blockchain technologies are evolving rapidly, but the key question is how these innovations can meaningfully contribute to stronger public systems and better development outcomes for people and planet,” said Haoliang Xu.

Instead of replacing existing financial systems, the group explored how blockchain could work alongside them to improve transparency, speed up transactions, and expand access to digital financial services. UNDP said the initiative will focus on practical applications that deliver real public benefits rather than promoting blockchain technology for its own sake.

26 Organizations Join the Advisory Group

The Blockchain Advisory Group currently consists of 26 organizations representing blockchain foundations, infrastructure providers, media organizations, exchanges, and nonprofit initiatives.

The members include:

• Algorand Foundation
• Arbitrum Foundation
• Avalanche Foundation
• Blockchain for Good Alliance
• Blockchain for Impact
• Cardano Foundation
• Celo Foundation
• Cointelegraph
• Interchain Foundation (Cosmos)
• Dfinity Foundation
• Dubai Blockchain Centre
• Ethereum Foundation
• Exponential Science Foundation
• Filecoin Foundation
• FLock.io
• Funding the Commons
• Giveth
• InfStones
• Kraken
• NEARWeek
• Nordic Blockchain Association
• Partisia Blockchain Foundation
• Stellar Development Foundation
• Sui Foundation
• The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi
• Web3 Foundation

The diverse membership shows growing cooperation between international organizations and the blockchain industry as more institutions explore the technology to improve financial access, transparency, and digital public services.

Expanding UNDP’s Blockchain Work

The creation of the Blockchain Advisory Group builds on UNDP’s growing efforts to use emerging technologies to address global development challenges. Rather than starting from scratch, the initiative strengthens an existing network of blockchain-related programs already being carried out in different parts of the world.

Over the past several years, UNDP has worked with governments and industry partners across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East on projects involving digital payments, climate finance, public procurement, digital identity, supply-chain tracking, and public service delivery.

By bringing together experts from both the development and blockchain sectors, the advisory group provides a dedicated platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and exploring new partnerships that could help scale these initiatives and support future public-sector innovation.

Future Meetings Will Explore More Development Priorities

UNDP said the Blockchain Advisory Group will meet twice a year, with each session focusing on a different development challenge where blockchain could have practical value.

Future discussions will cover topics such as digital governance, legal identity systems, sustainability and climate accountability, digital labor, and the future of work. Through these ongoing meetings, UNDP hopes to encourage collaboration that leads to real-world blockchain solutions to strengthen public services and broaden access to essential resources.

Final Thoughts

As governments and global organizations continue to explore emerging technologies, the UNDP’s Blockchain Advisory Group could play a key role in turning blockchain from a financial innovation into a tool for public development. With regular meetings and support from leading industry organizations, the initiative will test how decentralized technology can help build more accessible, transparent, and efficient public systems worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group?

The UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG) is a new initiative that brings together blockchain organizations and development experts to explore how decentralized technology can improve public services, financial inclusion, transparency, and sustainable development worldwide.

Why did the UNDP create a Blockchain Advisory Group?

The UNDP created the Blockchain Advisory Group to identify practical blockchain applications that can address global development challenges, strengthen public institutions, and support digital innovation through collaboration with leading Web3 organizations.

How can blockchain support the UNDP’s development goals?

Blockchain can improve transparency, secure digital identities, streamline payments, enhance supply-chain tracking, and expand access to financial services, helping governments and institutions deliver more efficient and inclusive public services.

What topics will the UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group discuss?

Future meetings will focus on financial inclusion, digital governance, legal identity systems, climate accountability, digital labor, and other areas where blockchain technology could provide practical solutions for public-sector innovation.