The first-ever Blockchain Academy tailored for the UN ecosystem, developed by the United Nation Development Programme in partnership with Algorand Foundation, saw an overwhelming response, receiving 641 applications from 134 countries. 500 applicants were selected to participate in the first edition. This extraordinary interest spans 21 different UN entities, with UNDP personnel comprising 72.23% of applicants, demonstrating a strong organizational interest in embracing blockchain technology.
The Blockchain Academy aims to enhance the skills of UN personnel in over 170 countries in using and applying blockchain technology to promote sustainable development. It will provide a well-structured educational platform, consisting of recorded lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on assignments, and expert guidance and mentorship. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants will develop a solid understanding of blockchain technology and its potential to address global challenges related to digital identity, asset tokenisation, financial inclusion, and supply chain transparency.
There is a pressing need for Web3 education among UN personnel due to limited knowledge of blockchain technologies, which hampers the ability to further enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability. As blockchain becomes vital for processes like aid distribution, identity verification, and data management, equipping staff with these skills is essential for improving operations.
The beta phase of the academy was a success, certifying over 30 participants from various UN agencies, setting the stage for the current global rollout. The full program not only aims to educate UN personnel but also seeks to establish a Blockchain Community of Practice, powered by UNDP AltFinLab, within the United Nations Innovation Network. This community aims to encourage collaboration and the exchange of best practices among development professionals to leverage blockchain technology to effectively achieve the SDGs.
Doro Unger-Lee, Head of Education and Inclusion at the Algorand Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of the academy. She stated that education is fundamental to innovation in addressing pressing global challenges. By blending practical training with expert insights from the Algorand ecosystem, the Blockchain Academy marks a significant advance in expanding blockchain knowledge within the UN system.
As the academy prepares for its global launch in January 2025, it seeks to inspire personnel from UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV to become leaders in using blockchain for sustainable and inclusive growth. Most applicants are beginners in blockchain, indicating a substantial demand for foundational knowledge of this technology within the UN agencies. Furthermore, the range of interests among the selected applicants varied, with many focusing on supply chain management, payments, and decentralized identities. These areas align with the current demands and potential applications of blockchain technology in humanitarian and development sectors. This diverse interest base underscores the versatility of blockchain applications and the potential for these technologies to be leveraged across various impact areas.
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