UN Considers Blockchain in Search for Sustainability Solutions

Blockchain is set to be discussed at a United Nations (UN) meeting on sustainable development today.

According to a UN agenda, the meeting in New York will focus on how private-public partnerships could use blockchain (among other tools) to achieve sustainable development goals. The event is being organized by the diplomatic missions from Bangladesh and El Salvador, along with the World Organization of Governance and Competitiveness and New Jersey-based Saint Peter's University.

The UN’s 16th Sustainable Development Goal focuses on a variety of areas related to inclusion, transparent government and fair justice systems. Specific calls to action include the goal to "provide legal identity for all, including birth registration [by 2030]", "develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels" and "substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms".

While notable, the idea that blockchain technology could yield new solutions in finance and beyond has slowly gained traction within the UN for much of the past year.

Last month, a research outfit funded by the UN disclosed that it was working on a number of blockchain initiatives, and the UN's agency focused on aid for impoverished children has also begun moving to fund related projects.

What specific use cases today's meeting will cover aren’t immediately apparent, though blockchain has long been seen as an enabler of change in governance and identity.

Organizers for the event were not immediately available for comment.

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