Impact Plus’ Post

What are the five things you need to know about blockchain for international development? 💡 We worked with the brilliant team at Impact Plus to explore this complex technology. Read more below 👇🏼 #blockchain #techforgood #humanitarian

The United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty is set to upskill its 22,000 staff in blockchain technology, with the ultimate goal of helping countries achieve “sustainable development” growth. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Algorand Foundation to launch a #blockchain academy in 2024. Focus areas of the program include (all four of my top research interests): 💶 Financial inclusion: Exploring the use of blockchain to extend financial services to marginalized communities. 🚛 Supply chain transparency: Enhancing transparency in supply chains, combatting issues like child labor, and promoting sustainable sourcing. 🌍 Real-world asset tokenization: Enabling fractional ownership to increase accessibility for a wider variety of investors. 🪪 Digital identity: Developing secure and universal digital identity solutions to support social and financial inclusion. Congratulations Doro Unger-Lee and team!

👽 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞? 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐳𝐳 ✍️ Amidst the vibrant energy of the Blockchaingers Hackathon 2018 in Groningen, the promise of blockchain revolutionizing everything from energy transition to pensions echoed through the crowd. Yet, as the Dutch state secretary for the Interior declared blockchain's impending impact on government, a deeper investigation raises questions about its true transformative power. 🎃 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 🎲 The allure of blockchain has permeated discussions worldwide, but does it live up to the hype? In the small Dutch town of Zuidhorn, an experiment aimed to place a municipal poverty aid package for children on the blockchain, earning international recognition. However, the reality reveals a simple app, running on basic databases, with little actual blockchain technology involved. This echoes a broader trend, where many blockchain projects falter, leaving a significant gap between promise and practical application. In fact, a staggering 92% of launched blockchain projects never make it past a press release, casting doubt on the technology's impact and raising concerns about a trend of scams rather than disruptive solutions. ✨ 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 🎲 Despite the inefficiencies and challenges associated with blockchain, its greatest merit may lie in sparking an awareness campaign. It compels businesses and authorities to reconsider their data management practices, even if the initial blockchain promises remain unmet. In the end, whether blockchain delivers on its revolutionary potential or not, the technology serves as a catalyst for discussions about essential back-office upgrades that can make the world run more efficiently. ☀️ ɴᴏᴛᴇ: ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴇɴᴛɪʀᴇ ᴘᴏꜱᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴏɴᴅᴇɴꜱᴇᴅ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ ᴅᴇʀɪᴠᴇᴅ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴛɪᴄʟᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʟᴏɢ "ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʀʀᴇꜱᴘᴏɴᴅᴇɴᴛ" #BlockchainReality #TechInnovation #TheCorrespondent

Harnessing Blockchain for Sustainable Development I will be attending the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission 14th session in Geneva at the United Nations Item 6 on the agenda, "Harnessing blockchain technologies for sustainable development", is where my attention will be, along with a presentation by Sandra CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) Harnessing blockchain technologies for sustainable development: A Strategic Overview - Sustainable Progress: Blockchain technology is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, opening avenues in finance, trade, and humanitarian efforts. - Innovative Potential: Developing nations can dramatically benefit by enhancing innovation systems to incorporate evolving blockchain technologies. - Global Cooperation: Knowledge sharing and developing universal standards are crucial. By working together, countries can maximize blockchain’s potential. - Decentralization Benefits: Blockchain promotes transparency and efficiency through its decentralized nature, revolutionizing traditional processes. - Overcoming Challenges: As blockchain integrates with existing systems, addressing scalability and operational challenges is essential. - International Collaboration: For blockchain to reach its full potential, global partnerships and cooperation are vital, ensuring all nations benefit. - Inclusive Applications: It's imperative to guide blockchain innovation towards sustainable and inclusive applications. - Strategic Positioning: Developing countries should strategically position themselves to benefit from technological advancements in blockchain. - Capacity Building: Supporting developing nations through capacity building is necessary to engage effectively with blockchain technology. Call to Action: Let’s advocate for stronger global collaboration and support mechanisms in blockchain standards to empower all countries, especially developing ones, to harness this technology for sustainable and inclusive growth. Thank you, Hamed ElKady and team. The Hashgraph Association #investing #technology #innovation

🌍 UNDP's SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda: A Quick Dive into Blockchain's Role 🌍 The UNDP recently unveiled its "SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda," and after a careful read, we felt the need to share some insights with the community: 1️⃣ Framework for the Future: This document isn't just a paper; it's a roadmap! The content seamlessly blends background information, illustrative case studies, best practices, and actionable recommendations. It provides an invaluable framework for stakeholders ranging from policymakers and private sector innovators to grassroots civil society organizations. All hands on deck for the SDGs! 2️⃣ A Powerhouse Collaboration: The brilliance of this paper is backed by a synergistic collaboration. The International Telecommunication Union  (ITU), UNDP, Boston Consulting Group (Boston Consulting Group (BCG)), and Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB) have come together, showcasing the importance of cross-sectoral alliances in driving global change. 3️⃣ Blockchain as the key for SDG 16: A standout feature of the paper is the spotlight on blockchain technology. Blockchain isn't just about cryptocurrencies; it's about creating a transparent, secure, and decentralized ecosystem for transactions. From streamlining supply chains and innovating financial services to foolproof identity verification, blockchain's potential to bolster transparency and trust is immense. As we move towards achieving SDG 16 - "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions," blockchain can play a pivotal role in eliminating corruption and reinforcing trust. 🔗 This agenda underscores the transformative power of digital technologies in achieving the SDGs. It reminds us that innovations like blockchain aren't just technical buzzwords but tools to shape a better, more inclusive world. Let's digitize our efforts for a sustainable future! 🌏💡 #SDGs #UNDP #Blockchain #DigitalFuture

Dear community, I’m thrilled to share that I’m going to attend the Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 powered by the CELOAfricaDAO initiative, a prestigious event that brings together industry leaders and visionaries in the fields of #Blockchain, #Web3, and #AI as a Keynote Speaker. The Decentralized Intelligence Summit, organized by the Blockchain Nigeria User Group (BNUG) Blockchain Nigeria User Group in partnership with the Fintech Association of Nigeria Fintech Association Of Nigeria will be held on 25th and 26th August 2023 at the Civic Center in Victoria Island, Lagos. With the theme "Staying Ahead of the Curve," the summit aims to explore the latest advancements, trends, and transformative potential of these technologies. Past editions of these technology conferences have featured renowned thought leaders and technology professionals, such as Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Francis Chuka Agbo (SAN), Prof. Yinka David-West, Dr. Andrew Nevin, Musa Itopa, Dr. Segun Aina, and other eminent personalities who advocate for the positive impact of Blockchain Technology in our societies in Africa. My speech is scheduled to play a pivotal role in setting the tone of the summit and inspiring attendees to embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by the convergence of blockchain, Web3, and AI. More information about the event is available at the event website: https://lnkd.in/dBM25D3w About BNUG Blockchain Nigeria User Group, aka BNUGDAO is a vibrant group of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency developers, enthusiasts, and investors helping to drive adoption and awareness of the Blockchain industry in Nigeria and across Africa since 2016. The objective of BNUG is primarily to create a pro-innovation environment for the industry, meeting the growing global demand for accessible, transparent, and democratic financial and collaborative systems. BNUG is a strong advocate for Blockchain Technology and works with all levels of government policymakers and regulators such as SEC Nigeria, NITDA, NDIC, CBN, and other stakeholders to support businesses, develop talents and drive career opportunities in Blockchain Technology. Thus promoting a sustainable community that enhances consumer safety and industry competitiveness.

🔦 Spotlight on Croatia in the Balkans: Emerging as a Web3 powerhouse in the region. Let's uncover Croatia's role in the burgeoning world of blockchain and decentralized tech! 🌐 Croatia's Web3 Journey: Embracing blockchain innovation with open arms, Croatia is aligning with the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), setting the stage for a vibrant crypto ecosystem. 👩💻 Robust Tech Landscape: With a flourishing ICT sector and a strong presence of tech firms and professionals, Croatia is nurturing a dynamic environment for Web3 and blockchain technologies. 🚀 ICP and Croatia: A perfect match where ICP's decentralized technology meets Croatia's innovative spirit, potentially transforming sectors like digital finance, e-commerce, and data security. 🔗 From Theory to Practice: Croatian startups like Electrocoin and initiatives like House of Blockchain are not only conceptualizing but actively implementing blockchain solutions, driving real-world applications. 🌟 Strategic Position: With its proactive approach to regulation and a community eager to adopt new technologies, Croatia is well-placed to be a central hub for Web3 innovation in Europe. In summary, Croatia is rapidly becoming a key player in the Web3 field, combining regulatory foresight and tech innovation. If you're in Zagreb, Croatia tomorrow, join our enriching ICP Introduction and Workshop session. Check out the details 👇 https://lu.ma/1ldncyfs

Blockchain Evolution in MENA: Present Landscape and Future Prospects As I reflect on the recently concluded Web Summit in Qatar, my thoughts gravitate towards the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It's remarkable how swiftly the perception of this region has shifted over the past decade. Once overlooked in discussions of technological innovation, MENA now emerges as a significant player in the blockchain space. In this transformative journey, platforms like Bitget have played a pivotal role. The exchange, with its commitment to fostering advancements in Web3 and blockchain technology, has contributed significantly to the region's growing prominence. Through its user-friendly interface and innovative features, it has empowered individuals across MENA to participate actively in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. By providing access to a diverse range of digital assets and facilitating seamless trading experiences, the has democratized financial opportunities for users in the region. Furthermore, it's initiatives extend beyond mere accessibility, as it actively engages in community-building efforts and educational outreach programs. By hosting workshops, seminars, and webinars, it has helped raise awareness and promote understanding of blockchain technology and its potential applications across various sectors in MENA. As a result, more individuals and businesses in the region are embracing blockchain solutions, driving innovation and economic growth. Looking ahead, the future of blockchain in the MENA region appears promising, with Bitget poised to continue its role as a catalyst for transformation. By fostering collaboration, driving adoption, and empowering users, it will undoubtedly play a crucial part in shaping the region's journey towards becoming a hub for technological innovation and digital transformation

Thought this was an interesting read. All of a sudden learning about Blockchain is important again. Those who’ve stayed the course and continued to move forward with continuous learning, should see the benefits of their sweat equity in the near future….. ✅ A United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty is set to upskill its 22,000 staff in blockchain technology, with the ultimate goal of helping countries achieve “sustainable development” growth. ✅ According to a Nov. 30 statement, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Algorand Foundation to launch a blockchain academy in 2024. ✅ The academy will serve the UNDP’s 22,000 staff members across 170 countries, educating them about distributed ledger technology and blockchain, including how it could be used for financial inclusion, supply chain transparency, real-world asset tokenization and digital identity applications. ✅ During the Algorand Impact Summit in New Delhi, UNDP’s expert for alternative finance and low-carbon development, Robert Pasicko, told the audience the partnership will enable the organization to “upskill, empower, and inspire UN practitioners around the world.” ✅ The curriculum will include lectures, workshops and hands-on assignments and will be “instrumental in equipping our team with the tools needed to address complex global challenges using blockchain technology,” said Pasicko. #blockchain #blockchaintechnology #blockchaindevelopment #blockchainrevolution #blockchainnews

🚀 Exciting News from BGIN! 🚀 On July 1st, we will host a conference at the University of Zurich organized by BGIN, focusing on two crucial document creation projects: - The Harmonisation of CBDC, Deposit Token, Stablecoin, Crypto Assets, and DeFi - The Mutual Impact and Improved Outcomes of Blockchain & AI as Synergistic Technologies 🔗 Conference Details https://lnkd.in/egvBRS8C During events like the Point Zero Forum in Zurich, we will refine and gather opinions on these documents. This hybrid event is free to join. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to global rule-making in blockchain. The document on the harmonisation of CBDC, Deposit Token, Stablecoin, Crypto Assets, and DeFi aims to organize the characteristics of these different "money-like" assets and document methods to leverage their features. 🔗 Harmonisation Document https://lnkd.in/e9i3Gp9m The document on the mutual impact and improved outcomes of Blockchain & AI as synergistic technologies explores the role, synergy, and challenges of blockchain in the era of generative AI. 🔗 Blockchain & AI Document https://lnkd.in/eGCEN89Q BGIN's documents have historically brought together diverse stakeholders, including regulators and cypherpunks, to create common understandings. Some documents have even become government procurement standards under the WTO/TBT agreement. Involvement in creating these global documents is essential for fostering social acceptance. Join us and be a part of this significant initiative! #Blockchain #AI #DeFi #CBDC #Stablecoin #Web3 #BlockchainTechnology #Crypto #DigitalCurrency #BlockchainSynergy #GlobalTech #BGIN #BlockchainCommunity #TechForGood