What are some of the most innovative and impactful use cases of blockchain technology for social good?

1 Identity management

One of the biggest challenges facing millions of people around the world is the lack of a verifiable and portable identity. Without an official identity, they cannot access basic services, such as education, health care, banking, and voting. Blockchain can help solve this problem by providing a digital identity system that is self-sovereign, meaning that individuals have full control and ownership of their own data and credentials. For example, ID2020 is a global initiative that aims to leverage blockchain and other technologies to create a universal digital identity platform for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.

2 Supply chain transparency

Another area where blockchain can make a difference is in ensuring the transparency and accountability of supply chains. Many consumers and businesses want to know the origin, quality, and impact of the products they buy or sell, especially when it comes to ethical and environmental standards. Blockchain can help track and verify the provenance and conditions of goods and materials across the entire supply chain, from the source to the end user. For example, Everledger is a company that uses blockchain to create digital records of diamonds and other high-value assets, to prevent fraud, theft, and conflict. Similarly, Bext360 is a company that uses blockchain to trace the production and distribution of coffee, cocoa, and other commodities, to ensure fair trade and sustainability.

3 Humanitarian aid

Blockchain can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian aid and disaster relief. By using blockchain, donors and aid agencies can reduce the costs, risks, and delays of transferring funds and resources to the people who need them most. Blockchain can also enhance the transparency and accountability of aid delivery, by allowing donors and beneficiaries to track and verify the use and impact of donations. For example, the World Food Programme (WFP) has used blockchain to provide cash assistance to refugees in Jordan, using biometric data to verify their identities and reduce fraud. Similarly, the UNICEF Innovation Fund has supported several blockchain projects that aim to improve the lives of children and young people in developing countries.

4 Environmental conservation

Blockchain can also contribute to environmental conservation and climate action. By using blockchain, environmental activists and organizations can monitor and report on the state and changes of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. Blockchain can also enable the creation and exchange of carbon credits, renewable energy certificates, and other incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy. For example, Ecosphere+ is a company that uses blockchain to protect tropical forests and support local communities, by issuing and selling carbon credits that represent the amount of carbon stored in the trees. Similarly, WePower is a company that uses blockchain to connect renewable energy producers and consumers, by creating and trading smart contracts that represent the energy generated and consumed.

5 Social inclusion

Blockchain can also foster social inclusion and empowerment, by providing access and opportunities to marginalized and underserved groups. Blockchain can enable financial inclusion, by offering alternative and affordable ways of saving, borrowing, and transferring money, especially for the unbanked and underbanked. Blockchain can also enable social inclusion, by facilitating the creation and participation of peer-to-peer networks, platforms, and communities, that support social causes and movements. For example, Bancor is a company that uses blockchain to create a network of community currencies, that allow local and grassroots organizations to exchange value and resources, without intermediaries or fees. Similarly, BitGive is a company that uses blockchain to create a platform for charitable giving, that allows donors and nonprofits to connect and collaborate, with transparency and accountability.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?