The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plans to launch two initiatives aimed at helping countries adopt blockchain technology.
Robert Pasicko, the leader of UNDP’s financial technology team, AltFinLab, told Cointelegraph at the UN City offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, that the organization plans to launch a blockchain education program for government officials alongside a blockchain advisory body.
The initiative builds on the UNDP’s existing blockchain academy for UN staff, now aimed at helping governments implement blockchain in real-world applications.
Pasicko said that “in a few weeks,” the new academy will begin operations and select four governments to work with. He expects formal approval for the initiative within one to two weeks.
“Training is just part of it,” Pasicko said, noting that the organization will also help initiatives move further through project development. He said that research conducted by the UNDP found 300 potential use cases for governments willing to adopt blockchain technology.
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UN blockchain advisory group in development
Pasicko said the idea for a UNDP-led blockchain advisory organization was discussed during a UN general assembly in New York attended by 25 of the top blockchain companies, including the Ethereum Foundation, Stellar Foundation and Polygon Labs. “If everything goes well,” the project could go live in two to three months, he said.
Pasicko noted that the UNDP already has pilots in 20 countries aimed at improving financial inclusion through blockchain technology. One partner is Decaf, a crypto-powered payment system that helps individuals access financial services without the need for banks. “How much longer do you need ordinary banks if you can bypass them with such apps?” Pasicko asked.
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ATMs are going the way of phone booths
Pasicko compared the evolution of banking infrastructure to the decline of public phone booths, pointing out how those pieces of infrastructure are no longer needed for their original purpose. He noted that in some countries, they have evolved, and in Japan, they serve as WiFi hotspots.
“The same question is, do you need ATMs in a few years? I don’t think so,” he said.
When asked whether this change will be a consequence of cryptocurrencies, private stablecoins or central bank digital currencies, Pasicko said he would instead expect a combination of all three. He explained that different jurisdictions will likely favor different solutions, but technology makes intermediaries obsolete.
“You need an internet connection, you need your smartphone. There is nothing else you need for these transactions,“ he said.
Still, Pasicko pointed out that “those who are in charge today are trying their best to stay in charge.” He highlighted that technologies can be used for good or bad, noting that fire can warm people when they need it or burn villages.
According to him, blockchain is the same. He said that, depending on how this technology is deployed, it can either widen the divide between the rich and powerful and the rest, or it can serve the masses.
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