New Tech, New Partners: Transforming development in the digital era

A snapshot of UNDP’s blockchain practice

The publication, a snapshot of UNDP’s blockchain practice, explores how UNDP is engaging with blockchain technologies as part of its broader effort to support inclusive, future-ready public systems.

Situated within the context of accelerating digital transformation and shifting development finance, the publication explains why and how UNDP works with blockchain – not as a stand-alone solution, but as one element within a systems-based approach to innovation, strategic foresight, and public sector reform. It focuses on building pathways for governments and public institutions to explore emerging technologies on their own terms, guided by public-purpose principles, safeguards, and development outcomes.

Drawing on 42 practical use cases from across regions, the report illustrates how experimentation, new partnership models, and public digital infrastructure can help strengthen institutions, improve transparency, and unlock new approaches to financing sustainable development. The portfolio spans early pilots and deployments in areas such as digital payments and financial inclusion, climate and nature finance, digital identity and data governance, and community-led investment models.

Rather than offering a single blueprint, the publication provides a snapshot of an evolving practice – highlighting lessons, trade-offs, and design choices as UNDP supports governments in navigating overlapping digital, financial, and climate transitions.

This publication was developed by the UNDP AltFinLab, drawing on contributions from UNDP Country Offices across regions. It reflects UNDP’s growing practice at the intersection of digital transformation, innovation, and development finance, and is informed by collaboration with governments, public institutions, and a range of technical and ecosystem partners.