The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with the Exponential Science Foundation to launch the Government Blockchain Academy, an initiative aimed at helping the public sector understand and use blockchain technology, digital currencies, and AI.
Groundwork will begin this year with curriculum design, planning, and consultation with stakeholders. The first country-specific programs are expected to roll out in 2026. The academy’s official debut is scheduled for October, during the TOKEN2049 event in Singapore. As part of the launch, a roundtable will bring together government officials, blockchain developers, and infrastructure providers to coordinate efforts and align priorities.
The new project builds on earlier work. In 2023, UNDP collaborated with the Algorand Foundation to train 22,000 of its staff members on blockchain. That program gave employees the tools to apply blockchain solutions to sustainable development, laying the groundwork for broader adoption.
The academy is designed to close the gap between learning and practical use, supporting governments to move from pilot projects to real implementation. Focus areas include supply chain, finance, climate action, governance, and identity systems.
The program will offer a variety of learning opportunities, including leadership forums, workshops, and online classes. Government officials will get support throughout the process, from identifying useful local applications to designing solutions in collaboration with experts and private partners. In addition, participants will have access to advisory services, mentoring, and incubation support to help scale up effective projects.
The academy also seeks to act as a global policy and dialogue hub. It will provide governments with the space to test ideas, collaborate internationally, and build safeguards for emerging technologies while preserving digital sovereignty.
The initiative also comes at a time when the UN is taking a more active role in overseeing cryptocurrency use worldwide. A 2024 UN report revealed that criminal groups in Southeast Asia were exploiting Telegram for scams that generated between $18 billion and $37 billion in 2023. The report came shortly after the platform’s founder, Pavel Durov,was arrested in Paris over illegal content.
Earlier this year, Kanni Wignaraja, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, proposed using CBDCs to improve financial access, testing crypto under strict safeguards, and relying on blockchain’s transparency to increase accountability. The recommendations followed UN investigations into North Korean cybercrimes valued at $3 billion.
UN officials also pointed out during a Counter-Terrorism Committee conference in India that while informal transfer systems and cash remain the main methods of terrorist financing, the use of digital assets is growing.
That growth is being manifested in the way entities like MARA Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) are deepening their reach within different markets as blockchain-based products gain mainstream traction around the world.
About CryptoCurrencyWire
CryptoCurrencyWire (“CCW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on blockchain and the cryptocurrency sector. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CCW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CCW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CCW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from CryptoCurrencyWire, text “CRYPTO” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CryptoCurrencyWire website applicable to all content provided by CCW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com/Disclaimer
CryptoCurrencyWire
New York, NY
www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com
212.994.9818 Office
Editor@CryptoCurrencyWire.com
CryptoCurrencyWire is powered by IBN
