These days, global organizations are beginning to see the potential of the blockchain to transform how they carry out their operations. For the United Nations, this includes tapping blockchain technology to revolutionize humanitarian relief, assist in real-world contexts, and implement new governance models. Let's take a look at three ways the UN is harnessing the blockchain right now.

Humanitarian Aid through Cardano

Just recently, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced it will be partnering with Cardano to help deliver aid to over 114 million refugees worldwide. The project, called "Blockchain for Refugees'', will streamline crowdfunding and humanitarian relief by delivering funds to individual digital wallets using a blockchain-based digital ID system. Part of the initiative is the launch of a staking pool that donates rewards to relief operations. It allows ADA holders to contribute to the cause while enhancing the security of the Cardano network.

In partnership with the Stellar Development Foundation, the project was initially pilot-tested in war-affected areas of Ukraine in late 2022. What's truly revolutionary about the program is how zero-knowledge proofs preserve the privacy of the refugees while maintaining transparency through the blockchain ledger. This layer of privacy is especially useful in sensitive contexts where the identity and nationality of the refugees may affect the delivery of the funds were the information to fall into the wrong hands.

This ensures that the promised aid reaches the right people without endless red tape and the risk of fraud and mismanagement. It also lowers costs and gives refugees more control over the relief aid they receive.

Tackling Real-World Solutions with Algorand

Last year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also recently partnered with the Algorand Foundation to upskill 22,000 of its staff across 170 countries. Together, they will launch a blockchain academy by 2024, which will offer in-depth knowledge on how the blockchain can be used as a tool for good, from enhancing supply chain transparency to streamlining digital identity management.

The ultimate goal is to empower its staff to apply blockchain in real-world scenarios in accordance with its overarching mission to eradicate poverty and achieve its 17 sustainable development goals by 2030. By embracing blockchain technology, the UN is actively reshaping its approach to pressing humanitarian challenges worldwide.

Exploring DAOs for Better Governance

Meanwhile, the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is exploring the use of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to revolutionize governance in the public sector. A pilot project led by the IGF Dynamic Coalition on Blockchain Assurance and Standardization, is tackling how DAOs can make governance and decision-making more transparent, efficient, and inclusive. It's a collaborative venture involving various stakeholders, including government offices and central banks from six countries.

The main goal?

Shift how organizations in the public sector currently operate to a more community-driven and accountable governance model in the future.

So what's the big deal about the United Nations' decision to embrace blockchain technology? As the world's largest international organization, the UN is the benchmark for others to follow. Through its initiatives in tackling current global issues, the UN is setting a precedent for how international organizations can harness technology to revolutionize global governance, humanitarian work, and sustainable development. 

If nothing else, it marks a shift in the general public's attitude towards blockchain technology. From what used to be a mere tool for financial investment and speculation, it's now being acknowledged as an effective solution to persistent real-world problems. More than just a long-overdue tech upgrade, leveraging the potential of the blockchain is a major step forward in the path to a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable world.