UNDP launches new publication on blockchain and public-purpose digital systems

UNDP has released a new publication, “New Tech, New Partners: Transforming development in the digital era – A snapshot of UNDP’s blockchain practice,” offering a practical look at how blockchain technologies are being tested and applied across development contexts to strengthen public systems.

The publication addresses a growing knowledge gap regarding the responsible use of rapidly evolving digital technologies. Drawing on more than 40 real-world pilots implemented with governments and partners globally, it demonstrates how blockchain can support more transparent, inclusive, and trusted methods for managing payments, data, and shared rules.

Rather than focusing on technology in isolation, the publication examines how blockchain is being used as part of broader digital transformation efforts – complementing public institutions, policy frameworks, and existing infrastructure. The cases explore applications across several key areas, including:

• Digital payments and financial inclusion
• Climate and nature finance
• Digital identity and data governance
• Community-driven and alternative finance models
• Supply-chain transparency and public accountability

The publication does not present a single model or blueprint. Instead, it captures an emerging practice, documenting lessons from early experimentation and pilot deployments. Each case highlights the specific development challenge being addressed, the scale of the pilot, the technology stack involved, and the partnerships that make these initiatives work in real-world conditions. Together, the cases illustrate how blockchain – when designed with safeguards and public purpose in mind – can help improve transparency, reduce fragmentation, and build trust in public systems, while also surfacing risks, trade-offs, and governance considerations.

Policymakers, development practitioners, and innovators will find this snapshot particularly useful for understanding where blockchain may add value to future-ready public systems, and where careful design, regulation, and institutional capacity remain essential.

Find the full publication on UNDP global website.

This publication was prepared by UNDP’s Alternative Finance Lab, part of the Innovation and Digital Team at UNDP Europe and Central Asia, with contributions from UNDP Country Offices, the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support, and the Istanbul Regional Hub. UNDP acknowledges the partners supporting the pilots featured in the publication, including Algorand Foundation, Blockchain for Good Alliance, EMURGO Labs, Cardano Foundation, Project Catalyst, FLock.io, Stellar Development Foundation, and Sui Foundation.