The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially launched the Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG) during the Proof of Talk 2026 event, marking a significant step toward integrating blockchain technologies into public systems and sustainable development initiatives. The newly formed group brings together senior leaders and organizations from across the blockchain industry to explore how decentralized technologies can contribute to stronger digital public infrastructure, improved financial inclusion, and solutions to pressing global development challenges.
The inaugural meeting was chaired by Haoliang Xu, Associate Administrator of UNDP, and centered on the topic of financial inclusion and digital finance. Participants examined several obstacles that continue to hinder broader adoption of digital financial services, including fragmented payment networks, limitations related to digital identity systems, interoperability concerns, and varying levels of institutional preparedness.
Xu indicated that blockchain should not be viewed solely as a technological advancement. He emphasized that the more important consideration is whether such innovations can strengthen public systems and generate meaningful development outcomes that benefit both people and the environment.
Focus on Public Value and Digital Infrastructure
The Blockchain Advisory Group was established to explore how blockchain technologies can strengthen public systems, enhance digital public infrastructure, and address major development challenges worldwide.
The launch builds upon UNDP’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and implement blockchain-based solutions across multiple regions, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. Through partnerships with governments, institutions, and industry stakeholders, the organization has been investigating blockchain applications in areas such as digital payments, climate finance, digital identity, public procurement, traceability systems, and public service delivery.
These initiatives form part of UNDP’s broader strategy to leverage emerging technologies for sustainable development. The organization has also documented its experiences and findings in its publication focused on digital transformation and innovation partnerships.
Events Showcase Blockchain Applications
Alongside the launch of the Blockchain Advisory Group, UNDP’s AltFinLab hosted a series of activities under the theme Scaling Blockchain for Public Good. The events highlighted practical examples of blockchain and decentralized artificial intelligence solutions that are progressing toward real-world implementation.
One of the key sessions featured the SDG Blockchain Accelerator Impact Showcase, where participants demonstrated projects designed to support sustainable development objectives through emerging technologies. Another major event involved a public dialogue organized in collaboration with Sciences Po Tech & Global Affairs Innovation Hub. The discussion brought together government representatives, researchers, and blockchain industry leaders to examine opportunities and challenges associated with blockchain adoption in public-sector systems.
Today we launched the @UNDP Blockchain Advisory Group, bringing together leaders across the blockchain ecosystem to explore how this technology can contribute to development – from financial inclusion & digital identity to effective public services. https://t.co/ppec0AVnpT pic.twitter.com/unubLzBsK5
— Haoliang Xu (@HaoliangXu) June 3, 2026
The initiative seeks to move beyond discussions by creating pathways for practical collaboration and real-world implementation of blockchain-powered development solutions.
Broad Industry Representation
The Blockchain Advisory Group currently includes 26 member organizations representing a diverse range of blockchain ecosystems and technology foundations. Participants include the Ethereum Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Algorand Foundation, Stellar Development Foundation, Avalanche Foundation, Web3 Foundation, and Filecoin Foundation.
The participation of these organizations reflects the group’s objective of bridging the gap between development priorities and blockchain innovation. By bringing together stakeholders from multiple blockchain ecosystems, UNDP hopes to foster collaboration that can accelerate the deployment of technologies with measurable public benefits.
Roadmap for Future Collaboration
Going forward, the Blockchain Advisory Group is expected to convene twice each year, with every meeting focusing on a specific development theme. Planned discussion areas include digital governance and public trust, inclusive legal identity systems, sustainability and climate accountability, financial inclusion, and the future of digital labor.
By creating a structured framework for collaboration between development institutions and blockchain innovators, UNDP aims to position blockchain as a key driver of financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable development on a global scale.
The establishment of the Blockchain Advisory Group represents an important milestone in the effort to ensure that blockchain technologies are utilized not only for commercial applications but also to support public-interest initiatives that can generate long-term social and economic benefits worldwide.
