The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has announced a collaboration with the Exponential Science Foundation to launch the Government Blockchain Academy, aimed at promoting the public sector’s adoption of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative promises to initiate its first country programs in 2026, with preparatory steps, including curriculum development and stakeholder engagement, scheduled for the preceding year, 2025. The academy’s official unveiling is set to take place at the TOKEN2049 event in Singapore on October 1–2, 2025, where an industry roundtable will be held to align protocol developers, infrastructure providers, and government representatives.
This initiative comes on the heels of the UNDP’s prior collaboration with the Algorand Foundation, which provided blockchain training to 22,000 UN employees to enhance their capability in supporting sustainable development initiatives. This earlier effort underscores the UNDP’s commitment to equipping its personnel with the necessary skills to leverage emerging technologies for developmental purposes.
The overarching goal of the Government Blockchain Academy is to bridge the existing gap between education and the practical implementation of blockchain and AI technologies within governmental frameworks. By facilitating the transition from small-scale trials to comprehensive deployments, the academy is designed to help nations tackle specific development challenges through the application of these technologies across various sectors, including finance, governance, supply chains, climate action, and digital identity.
Irena Cerovic, the UNDP Innovation Team Leader, highlighted the importance of this program as a means for governments to move beyond mere experimentation into concrete implementation, thereby enhancing transparency, inclusion, and resilience in governance. Paolo Tasca, the Executive Chairman of Exponential Science, reinforced this sentiment by articulating the academy’s vision as a collective framework that will empower governments with the necessary tools and talent for effective digital transformation.
Participants in the program will benefit from a range of resources, including in-person workshops, online courses, and leadership forums tailored to their needs. Government teams will receive comprehensive support throughout the process, from identifying relevant local use cases to collaborating with experts in joint solution-building efforts. The academy also aims to provide incubation support, specialized resources, and advisory services, all intended to produce scalable solutions that reflect national priorities while promoting digital inclusion and enhancing public sector efficiency.
Beyond the training aspect, the academy is envisioned as a global dialogue and policy development hub, fostering experimentation and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability, the initiative aims to equip governments with the frameworks necessary for adopting emerging technologies while ensuring the protection of digital sovereignty.
In light of the rising concerns about the misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities, the UN has maintained oversight to advocate for safe practices in the crypto space. A 2024 UN report has highlighted the exploitation of platforms like Telegram by organized crime, estimating that scams may have generated between $18–37 billion in 2023. Furthermore, UN officials have expressed the need to assess how crypto, stablecoins, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) can support human development, advocating for controlled testing and the use of blockchain for enhanced accountability.
This expansive initiative reflects a concerted effort to harness the potential of blockchain and AI in governance, aiming to not only advance technological adoption but also address pressing global challenges effectively.
