- UNDP will open a blockchain academy in 2026 to train governments on crypto and digital tools.
- Training covers digital ID, finance, and anti-corruption record systems.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced plans to open a blockchain academy that will train governments on the use of cryptocurrency and other new technologies. The academy is expected to begin in 2026, while work on the curriculum will start this year.
Training Governments on Blockchain and Crypto
According to reports, the UNDP explained that the blockchain academy will focus on giving public officials clear knowledge of how blockchain and related tools can be applied to national issues. It will partner with the Exponential Science Foundation, a group that promotes blockchain and artificial intelligence, to run the programme.
According to the plan, the training will cover several key areas. Governments will be shown how blockchain can support digital identity systems, improve financial services, and allow easier access to payments. The academy will also teach how blockchain can be used in public procurement, providing tamper-resistant record keeping to limit corruption.
Another focus is the use of smart contracts and tokens in climate finance, such as tracking carbon credits. Furthermore, Irena Cerovic, a UNDP team leader for Europe and Central Asia, said the academy aims to help countries move from small trials of new technology to full implementation. According to the update, she added that the project is designed to improve transparency, inclusion, and resilience in government systems.
The training will be provided in different ways. Sessions will be held in person, online, and at international forums. The UNDP said this mix will give governments structured support to design and carry out high-impact projects that address national priorities.
It is worth mentioning that there have been several recent developments in blockchain activities. In a recent report, we highlighted how KuCoin partnered with VBA and 1Matrix to support Vietnam’s blockchain strategy. Additionally, as mentioned in our previous news brief, Google Cloud unveiled its own blockchain platform, GCUL, aiming to rival Ripple, Stripe, and Circle.
Building on Past Blockchain Efforts
The upcoming blockchain academy builds on the UNDP’s earlier work in the same area. In 2023, the agency worked with the Algorand Foundation to launch a blockchain academy for its staff. That programme trained about 22,000 UNDP employees on how blockchain systems can be used in development work and sustainable growth.
The new initiative will extend that effort directly to governments. While no specific countries have been confirmed for the 2026 rollout, the UNDP stressed that developing nations stand to benefit the most. Reports by Chainalysis show that countries such as India, Pakistan, and Vietnam are already among the top adopters of crypto technology this year.
By establishing the blockchain academy, the UNDP believes governments will be better prepared to use technology to tackle pressing challenges, create economic opportunities, and strengthen public trust in their institutions.
Meanwhile, in January, CNF reported that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with the Stellar Development Foundation to use the network to promote financial inclusion in the developing world.

