The UN has announced the expansion of its blockchain academy, developed in partnership with the Algorand Foundation, to provide training to 24,000 personnel worldwide.
Academy Expansion
The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Algorand Foundation, aims to equip UN personnel with blockchain skills to help them understand how the technology can contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future. According to Doro Unger-Lee, head of education and financial inclusion at the Algorand Foundation, blockchain is seen as one of the essential technologies for enhancing sustainable development programs.
UN's Blockchain Experiments
Launched in late 2023, the Blockchain Academy provides specialized training on blockchain technology and its potential applications in development projects. During its beta phase, the academy certified more than 30 UN personnel and added over 18 hours of training to its curriculum. The expanded program now includes a broader curriculum available to all staff at the United Nations Development Programme, UN Volunteers, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund.
Development History
Since 2015, the United Nations Development Programme has explored blockchain in various sectors, from tracking cocoa supply chains to enabling digital impact investments. This expansion aligns with broader UN efforts, including the December 2023 launch of the Guardian and Managed Guardian Service platform for carbon markets in collaboration with the HBAR Foundation. Powered by Hedera’s blockchain, the platform facilitates digital measurement, reporting, and verification in carbon markets.
The expansion of the UN's blockchain academy underscores the international organization's commitment to leveraging modern technologies for more effective achievement of sustainable development goals. It also highlights the need to prepare staff for new challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of blockchain into various activities.
