logoinnovlogoinnovlogoinnovlogoinnov
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Innovative Finance
    • Data Innovation
    • Urban Transformation
    • Portfolio Development
    • Boost
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
  • PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
  • Altfinlab
  • Data Innovation
  • Urban Transformation
  • Portfolio Development & Management
  • Boost

United Nations Development Programme and Stellar Development Foundation join forces to advance blockchain solutions for financial inclusion

  • January 27, 2025
  • INNOVATIVE FINANCE, NEW TECHNOLOGIES

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and Central Asia and the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at harnessing blockchain technology to accelerate progress toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promoting financial inclusion worldwide. 

With this partnership, UNDP and SDF will aim to create scalable blockchain solutions that drive equitable economic growth and strengthen economic resilience in developing regions. The collaboration will harness the Stellar network and open-source tools to enhance access to digital financial services, facilitate transparent and efficient cross-border transactions, and provide more secure, low-cost digital payment solutions, including for humanitarian aid, remittances, and national cash transfer programmes. The partnership will focus on empowering underserved populations and fostering innovation in emerging economies through a series of joint pilots, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. 

Robert Pasicko, Project Manager of the Alternative Finance Lab at UNDP, remarked: “Our collaboration with the Stellar Development Foundation is a pivotal step toward harnessing cutting-edge technology for sustainable development. With nearly 1 billion people worldwide using cryptocurrencies and digital wallets, the potential for these tools to drive meaningful change in the development and humanitarian sectors is immense. By merging UNDP’s global expertise with Stellar network capabilities, we aim to create innovative solutions that transform lives and communities. Together, we are committed to unlocking the power of blockchain to drive social impact on a global scale.”

“The Stellar network was designed to support access to the global financial system for everyone, no matter where they live,” said Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation. “Partnering with UNDP to leverage blockchain technology for international development and financial inclusion aligns perfectly with our mission. This collaboration represents exactly the kind of transformative impact the Stellar Development Foundation was created to achieve. We are excited to be part of this crucial effort to drive innovation and empower communities around the world.”

For more information, please contact Svetla Baeva, Communications Lead, UNDP at svetla.baeva@undp.org or the Stellar Development Foundation at media@stellar.org.

← back to blog

RELATED POSTS

DATA INNOVATION, NEW TECHNOLOGIES | 28.04.2026
Blockchain Talks #7 | Environmental sustainability and blockchain: where does it actually help?

Environmental sustainability has become one of blockchain’s favorite talking points. Even so, carbon credits, drought insurance, climate adaptation loans, renewable energy certificates, and biodiversity finance […]

INNOVATIVE FINANCE, NEW TECHNOLOGIES, STRATEGIC INNOVATION | 16.04.2026
SDG Blockchain Accelerator: Driving SDG Impact in 2025

In 2025, the SDG Blockchain Accelerator delivered 46 pilot- and implementation-ready solutions, with 12 already entering real-world testing. Developed across two global cohorts, 70% of […]

DATA INNOVATION, NEW TECHNOLOGIES | 14.04.2026
UN Blockchain Talks #6: What real supply chains demand from traceability systems

By the time a product or service reaches the end user, most of the difficult work has already been done elsewhere. Someone had to collect […]


The UNDP Innovation Community in Europe and Central Asia supports 18 countries and territories in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by harnessing the potential of the data revolution, new technologies, innovative finance and new, systemic ways of working.

WHAT WE DO

  • Altfinlab
  • Data Innovation
  • Urban Transformation
  • Portfolio Development & Management
  • Boost

WHO WE ARE

  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Projects
  • Team
  • Donors
  • Partnerships
  • Contact
© 2021 UNDP Europe and Central Asia
Copyright and Terms of Use | Scam Alert | Report Fraud, Abuse, Misconduct | Submit Social or Environmental Complaint