UN Launches Global Web3 Initiative for Developers

Geneva, June 3, 2025 — In a major endorsement of decentralized technology, the United Nations has launched the **Global Web3 for Inclusion Initiative**, aimed at promoting the development and deployment of Web3 and blockchain-based applications in underserved regions. The initiative will support developers and startups building decentralized apps (dApps), smart contracts, and blockchain-based identity systems for use in education, finance, and health across the Global South. **Key Features of the Initiative:**

•  $500 million development fund managed by the UNDP and World Bank
• Technical grants for Web3 projects focused on inclusion and accessibility
•  Blockchain curriculum partnerships with universities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• A global mentorship program connecting top Web3 engineers with emerging developers

UN Secretary-General António Guterres commented:   *"Decentralized technologies hold great promise for fairness, access, and transparency. This initiative ensures they benefit the many, not the few."* **Developer Impact** Leading Web3 companies including Polygon, Solana, and ConsenSys have committed to open-source toolkits and developer training programs aligned with the UN's goals. Projects will be evaluated based on scalability, user accessibility, and local impact. Preference will be given to dApps that address real-world problems such as financial inclusion, data privacy, and citizen services. A Kenyan-based startup, DawaChain, which builds blockchain supply chains for rural clinics, is among the first grant recipients. **Skepticism and Safeguards** Some critics warn about potential misuse of decentralized systems for fraud or evasion. The UN responded by forming an ethics board to ensure human rights protections are integrated into all Web3 initiatives it supports. The **Global Web3 Developer Summit** will be held in Nairobi in November 2025, featuring workshops, hackathons, and funding opportunities for eligible teams. Full program details are available at [www.unweb3.org](http://www.unweb3.org)