UN Agency Launches Blockchain Education and Advisory Programs for Governments

Robert Pasicko, who leads UNDP’s financial technology team called AltFinLab, recently announced at the UN City offices in Copenhagen that the new academy will begin operations within weeks. The program will initially work with four governments, with formal approval expected in the next one to two weeks.

Multiple Programs Target Different Audiences

The UNDP is actually launching several blockchain education initiatives targeting different groups. The newest program focuses specifically on government officials and policymakers who create and implement laws. This is different from the existing blockchain academy that the UNDP launched in 2024 for its own UN staff members.

The Government Blockchain Academy, announced in September 2025, was developed in partnership with the Exponential Science Foundation. This program will officially launch its first country programs in 2026, with preparation work starting in 2025. The formal announcement took place at TOKEN2049 in Singapore on October 1-2, 2025.

According to the official announcement, the academy will provide specialized education and implementation programs that use blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to help governments drive change in how they deliver services to citizens.

Five Key Focus Areas

The Government Blockchain Academy focuses on five main areas where blockchain can help governments:

Inclusive Digital Finance: Creating secure digital payment systems so more people can access financial services, especially in areas where traditional banks don’t reach.

Transparent Governance: Using blockchain’s tamper-resistant recordkeeping to reduce corruption and improve integrity in government operations.

Supply Chain Integrity: Tracking products and materials from source to destination to prevent fraud and ensure quality.

Climate Resilience: Using tokens and smart contracts for climate finance, including tracking carbon credits and environmental projects.

Digital Identity Solutions: Building digital credentials for citizens to access healthcare, education, and welfare services, particularly in regions with weak record systems.

Addressing Real Problems

The UNDP’s research has identified 300 potential use cases for governments interested in adopting blockchain technology. This isn’t just about theory – the organization already has pilots running in 20 countries focused on improving financial inclusion through blockchain.

One partner, Decaf, operates a crypto-powered payment system that helps people access financial services without needing traditional banks. Pasicko pointed out that with just an internet connection and a smartphone, people can complete transactions without other infrastructure.

Developing countries are already leading in crypto adoption. According to the 2025 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, India ranked first worldwide, with Pakistan and Vietnam in the top four. This shows real demand from governments that want to use these technologies but often lack the knowledge and structure to implement them effectively.

How the Training Works

The Government Blockchain Academy will offer multiple learning formats to accommodate different government needs. Training will include in-person workshops, online courses, and leadership forums. Government participants will receive access to selected resources, expert advisory services, and guidance through their implementation projects.

Each government team will get structured support from the beginning – starting with identifying local use cases, working through requirements, and collaborating with academy experts and industry partners. The goal is to help teams move from small experimental projects to full-scale deployment that actually improves services for citizens.

The program also provides incubation support and mentorship to turn ideas into scalable projects that align with national priorities.

Advisory Organization in Development

Beyond education, the UNDP is also creating a blockchain advisory organization. This idea came from discussions at a UN general assembly in New York where 25 top blockchain companies participated, including the Ethereum Foundation, Stellar Foundation, and Polygon Labs.

If development stays on track, this advisory body could launch in two to three months. It will work alongside the educational programs to provide ongoing guidance as governments implement blockchain solutions.

Building on Previous Success

The new government-focused program builds on an earlier UNDP initiative. In late 2023, the UNDP partnered with the Algorand Foundation to launch a blockchain academy for UN staff. That program has trained approximately 24,000 personnel from UNDP, UN Volunteers, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund across 170 countries.

The staff-focused academy received 641 applications from 134 countries for its first cohort, showing strong interest in blockchain education within the UN system. The beta phase certified over 30 UN personnel and created more than 18 hours of training content.

Irena Cerovic, Innovation Team Leader at UNDP Europe and Central Asia, explained that the academy offers countries a pathway to tackle complex development challenges in new ways. The focus is on moving from experimentation to implementation while strengthening transparency, inclusion, and resilience.

Technology’s Dual Nature

Pasicko emphasized that blockchain technology can work in different ways depending on how it’s deployed. He compared it to fire – it can warm people when they need it or burn villages. The same applies to blockchain: it can either widen the divide between the rich and powerful and everyone else, or it can serve the masses.

This perspective highlights why education and proper guidance matter. Governments need to understand both the potential benefits and the risks of blockchain technology to make informed decisions about implementation.

When asked whether cryptocurrencies, private stablecoins, or central bank digital currencies would drive changes in financial services, Pasicko said he expects a combination of all three. Different jurisdictions will likely favor different solutions, but the underlying technology makes traditional intermediaries less necessary.

Global Interest in Government Blockchain

The UNDP’s blockchain initiatives reflect growing global interest in how governments can use emerging technologies. Countries around the world are exploring blockchain for various applications, from securing health records to improving supply chain transparency.

The timing is significant because many governments currently use blockchain and AI technologies only on a small scale. They lack the comprehensive skills, knowledge, and organizational structure to implement these technologies in ways that meaningfully improve citizen services. The UNDP aims to fill this gap by providing both education and practical implementation support.

Professor Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman of Exponential Science, described the initiative as a collective blueprint for public innovation. By bringing together diverse partners under one framework, the program aims to ensure governments have the tools and talent needed to navigate digital transformation.

The Path Forward

The UNDP’s blockchain education and advisory programs represent a significant commitment to helping governments modernize their operations and services. With preparation work beginning in 2025 and country programs launching in 2026, the initiative moves blockchain from experimental technology to practical tool for development.

As governments face pressure to deliver better services with limited resources, blockchain offers potential solutions for transparency, efficiency, and inclusion. The UNDP’s comprehensive approach – combining education, advisory services, and implementation support – provides a structured path for countries to explore and adopt these technologies responsibly.