UNDP’s Alternative Finance Lab (AltFinLab), in collaboration with the Algorand Foundation, is excited to open applications for the second global cohort of the Blockchain Academy – a flagship learning programme equipping UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV (within UNDP) personnel with the skills to understand, test, and responsibly deploy blockchain for sustainable development.
Running from January to April 2026, the Academy offers a structured, practice-driven curriculum combining self-paced modules, live expert sessions, case studies, and hands-on project work. Participants complete four mandatory modules covering blockchain fundamentals and real-world use cases, followed by optional “deep dive” modules on topics such as digital identity, carbon credits, tokenization, supply chain traceability, and more.
Applications close on Thursday, 18 December 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-January 2026, with onboarding taking place at the end of January 2026.
To help potential applicants learn more, UNDP will host two open information sessions:
“Blockchain is no longer experimental – it is a practical tool transforming how we deliver impact,” said Burcu Mavis, Blockchain Academy Lead at UNDP AltFinLab. “With this second cohort, we continue building a community across the UN ready to explore innovative, responsible, and meaningful applications of blockchain to advance the SDGs.”
“When UNDP and the Algorand Foundation launched the Blockchain Academy last year, we saw a powerful opportunity to show how blockchain can solve real-world challenges UN staff face every day,” said Matt Keller, Director of Impact at the Algorand Foundation. “By teaching more efficient and transparent ways to deliver humanitarian payments, as just one example, we can demonstrate practical solutions to some of the development community’s toughest problems.”
Since its launch in 2024, the Academy has already trained 500+ participants from 134 countries, creating a global community exploring how blockchain can strengthen transparency, inclusion, climate action, financial innovation, and trusted public systems.
Personnel from UNDP, UNCDF, and UNV (within UNDP) are invited to apply – no prior technical background is required. Find out more about the academy and how to apply here.
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