United Nations Hosted Panel on Bitcoin and Blockchain
The event explored how digital assets could serve as infrastructure for developing nations.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Economic Policy
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The United Nations hosted a panel on Bitcoin and blockchain technology during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. The discussion centered on using distributed ledger technology as digital public infrastructure for developing nations.
Why it matters
The UN seeks to identify tools that foster financial inclusion and sustainable development. By using these technologies, developing nations hope to build self-sustaining economic systems based on agency rather than charitable dependency.
The panel highlighted the potential for digital assets to support nations like Pakistan, which has a population of 230 million people. These figures are evaluated against the current gaps in traditional financial services.
The players
Jeremy Almond
He participated as a panel speaker to discuss the integration of blockchain technology.
Bilal Bin Saqib
He served as a speaker on the panel to represent insights from developing nations.
Bitcoin Policy Institute
This organization engages with international bodies on the legal and economic implications of Bitcoin.
United Nations Development Programme
This agency conducts research and pilot programs regarding the application of distributed ledger technology.
The details
Speakers advocated for new economic models that prioritize self-sufficiency through distributed ledger technology. The United Nations Development Programme continues to research and lead pilot programs to test these tools for global implementation.
Timeline
February 2026: The Bitcoin Policy Institute participated in UNCITRAL proceedings.
September 21, 2026: UN Digital Cooperation Day was held in New York.
Macro View
This focus on digital infrastructure reflects a broader trend of international bodies testing new economic models. It follows the pattern set by the UN Development Programme research on distributed ledger technology.
This shift toward digital public infrastructure could eventually influence how individuals in developing nations access financial services. It reflects a growing effort to move beyond traditional aid toward digital-based economic inclusion.
The takeaway
Blockchain technology is increasingly viewed by global institutions as a foundational tool for economic sovereignty. Developing nations are looking to these platforms to create long-term stability instead of relying on traditional assistance.
Further reading
For more background on how international organizations influence fiscal strategies, visit our /economics/economic-policy/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Crypto Briefing.
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