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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced plans to establish a Government Blockchain Academy, aimed at equipping public sector officials with skills in blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies. The program, developed in partnership with the nonprofit Exponential Science Foundation, is scheduled to roll out in select countries beginning in 2026.
According to the agency, the Government Blockchain Academy will “provide specialized education and implementation programs that harness blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies to help governments drive transformative change.” The curriculum is currently in development, with a mix of in-person, online, and forum-based training formats expected.
“Governments are under pressure to modernize service delivery while addressing corruption and inequality,” said Irena Cerovic, Team Leader for Europe and Central Asia at UNDP. “The academy will allow countries to move from experimentation to implementation in ways that strengthen transparency, inclusion, and resilience.”
The UNDP confirmed that the Government Blockchain Academy will prioritize areas with direct implications for governance and economic development. These include:
The initiative aligns with UNDP’s broader mission to foster long-term economic growth in developing nations. Countries such as India, Pakistan, and Vietnam identified by Chainalysis as among the top adopters of crypto in 2024 are likely to be key beneficiaries.
“Blockchain isn’t just about cryptocurrencies. It’s about trust, accountability, and efficiency in government systems,” said an Exponential Science Foundation spokesperson in a press statement. “The Government Blockchain Academy will give policymakers the tools to deploy these innovations responsibly.”
While a precise launch date was not confirmed, the UNDP indicated that curriculum development will begin this year, with implementation starting in 2026 across select pilot countries. The phased rollout will be informed by national priorities and regional readiness for digital transformation.
The agency emphasized that governments would receive “structured support” in applying lessons from the Government Blockchain Academy to real-world projects. These could include national identity programs, digital payment infrastructure, and anti-corruption tools in procurement.
This effort follows UNDP’s 2023 partnership with the Algorand Foundation, which created an internal blockchain academy for its 22,000 staff members. That initiative trained personnel to use blockchain in promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The upcoming academy represents an expansion outward, targeting national governments directly rather than internal staff.
For policy makers, the Government Blockchain Academy signals a strategic pivot: from small-scale blockchain pilots to structured, government-led adoption. If successful, the academy could accelerate reforms in public finance, digital governance, and climate action.
Analysts caution, however, that adoption will require more than technical training.
“The challenge for governments won’t just be learning the technology,” said Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation. “It will be aligning blockchain use cases with regulatory frameworks, human rights protections, and long-term development strategies.”
The UNDP insists that the program is designed with these considerations in mind. Its emphasis on transparency and inclusion reflects growing international consensus that emerging technologies must be harnessed for public good, not only private gain.
If the Government Blockchain Academy proves effective, it may become a model for other international agencies seeking to integrate blockchain into governance. Its success could also influence donor priorities and multilateral funding, particularly in areas such as climate finance and anti-corruption measures.
For developing economies, the initiative represents both an opportunity and a test. On one hand, blockchain-enabled systems could widen access to financial services and reduce inefficiencies in public administration. On the other, governments must manage the risks of adopting complex technologies with limited technical capacity.
As Cerovic emphasized, the academy is ultimately about equipping leaders for a new era of governance: “Emerging technologies are changing the way societies operate. The Government Blockchain Academy ensures governments aren’t left behind in that transformation.”
