PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A DYNAMIC COALITION
OF THE UN INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM
ON BLOCKCHAIN ASSURANCE & STANDARDIZATION
Introduction
Blockchains are a promising technology with the potential to transform many industries. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed before blockchain solutions can reach their full potential.
Blockchains are important because they can be used to create secure and transparent systems. For example, blockchains can streamline the delivery of public services to underserved communities and populations, strengthen transparency and integrity for public services, and ultimately build trust amongst all stakeholders.
As blockchain technology continues to develop, it is likely to have a major impact on the way we live and work. However, notwithstanding the enormous potentials of blockchain solutions, many projects failed to meet expectations because of the lack of comprehensive understanding of the knowledge domains involved, and the discipline structures present in more mature sectors. Furthermore, there are other challenges associated with the design and implementation of blockchains, including:
- Complexity: Blockchains can be complex to understand and use; and
- Regulation: Blockchains are not yet well-regulated.
The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a non-profit organization that supports the use of blockchain technology in government. The GBA’s mission is to “connect, communicate, and collaborate with government leaders and stakeholders to use blockchain technology to improve public services.” More specifically, GBA has established working groups that supports and are aligned with the UN-SG Global Digital Compact goals, including:
- Ensure that everyone has access to the digital world, via GBA’s Telecommunication Working Group (i.e., Telcom-Internet-Communications, https://gbaglobal.org/groups/telcom-internet-communications).
- Promote the use of digital technologies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, via GBA’s Sustainable Resources (i.e., Sustainable Environmental Stewardship, https://gbaglobal.org/groups/sustainable-environmental-stewardship/members/all-members/).
- Protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the digital age, via GBA’s Trusted Communications Project (https://gbaglobal.org/blog/2023/04/28/trusted-communications-project)
- Build trust in the digital world, via the GBA Standards working group (Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) – GBA Global)
ACTION PLAN
Define the scope of the work.
The first step is to define the scope of the work. This includes identifying the specific areas of blockchain technology that the dynamic coalition will focus on. For example, the working group will focus on:
- Blockchain and communication infrastructure (i.e., accessibility and security)
- Blockchain and digital identity
- Blockchain for environmental stewardship
- Blockchain and responsible governance (i.e., laws, regulations, standards, assurance)
- Blockchain for delivering public services (i.e., voting, finance, health care, education)
- Blockchain for economic development and investments
- Blockchain and artificial intelligence
- Blockchain for supply-chain
Conduct intercessional meetings and workshops
A combination of monthly and weekly meetings will be scheduled throughout the year for each domain of work. The dynamic coalition will submit proposals for workshops and panel discussions at the annual IGF meetings, including the preparation of an annual report of its activities and results.
Develop and propose standardization and assurance goals
The working group will develop standardization and assurance goals for blockchain technology. These goals will aim at defining criteria to evaluate the maturity of blockchain systems, including the development of best practices for the use of blockchain technology.
Conduct pilot projects.
The working group will conduct pilot projects to validate blockchain standardization and assurance criteria. These pilot projects will help the working group to refine the criteria and to develop best practices for the use of blockchain technology.
Publish the results of the work.
The working group will publish the results of its work. This includes publishing the standardization and assurance criteria, best practices, and results of the pilot projects. The publication of the results will help to promote the use of blockchain technology and to ensure that blockchain systems are of high quality and interoperable.
STAKEHOLDERS
Government
- Brazil
- Aldenio Burgos. Central Bank of Brazil
- Nigeria
- Michael Faniyi – Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service
- Chikezie Isiguzo, Central Bank of Nigeria
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Dr. Zayed Salih Al Hemairy, Ministry of Community Development
- United Kingdom(UK)
- Argentina Hung, Department for Education
- Gintare Geleziunaite, Department for International Trade
- Lori Cooper, Department for International Trade
- United States
- Jean-Robert Baguidy, US Department of Commerce
- Joshua Hakakian, US VA National Artificial Intelligence Institute, Program Specialist
- Omar Bouaichi, US Housing & Urban Development
- Omri Gross, US Department of Housing & Urban Development
- US State & Local Government
- Kyra Brown, Tennessee State Government
- Mark Wheeler, City of Philadelphia
- Kelli Caldwell, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
- Frank Hernandez, Washington, DC Government
- Amelia Powers Gardner, Utah County Commissioner
- Carlos Ivan Merino, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce
- Doningnon Soro, Empire State Development (New York State Government)
- Vietnam
- Hoan Pham Quoc, Ministry of Information & Communications
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
- Dino Dell’Accio, United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
- Gerard Dache, Government Blockchain Association
- Sary Qasim, Government Blockchain Association, Middle East & North Africa
Professional Associations
- Meiyappan Masilamani, International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)
Academic
- Dr. Jim Liew, Johns Hopkins University (United States)
- Dr. Manu Kumar Shetty, Maulana Azad Medical College (India)
Private Sector
- Muhammad Saleem, Nexus Telecom
- Haimanot Anbesaw Bobosha – Dish Networks
Join the Dynamic Coalition
Documents
- Blockchain Maturity Model (https://gbaglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01-Blockchain-Matuirity-Model-Overview-v1.0-2.pdf)
- Blockchain Maturity Model Supplements (https://gbaglobal.org/blog/2022/09/06/bmm-banking-draft/)
- Government Blockchain Association (GBA) Training (https://gbaglobal.org/courses/)