GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recognized as the premiere gathering of trade and investment policy makers, the biennial UNCTAD World Investment Forum is opening its doors to blockchain leaders this year. Organized by strategic partner Blockchain Charity Foundation (BCF), the Blockchains for Sustainable Development session on October 24th will bring together political leaders, investors, philanthropists and public service providers to discuss the broader implications of blockchain technology.
“Blockchain technology is a game-changing development for social impact and economic transformation,” said Helen Hai, Head of BCF. “The World Investment Forum is a great opportunity for stakeholders who are taking a broader perspective to meet and assess the long-term impact of this breakthrough technology.”
“This high-level gathering will offer a different level of discussion and networking than found on the crowded blockchain conference circuit,” explains Professor Jem Bendell, founder of the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) at the University of Cumbria and a curator for the Blockchains for Sustainable Development forum. “With many claims made for and against this technology, alongside many Initial Coin Offerings, it is understandable that regulators, investors and other stakeholders find it difficult to assess its potential. At this UN event we aim to explore that potential by keeping public benefit at the centre of our discussions.”
At the forum, BCF and Dalberg will be launching a co-produced white paper themed Blockchain for Inclusive Growth, addressing some of the most pressing issues in blockchain-related regulation worldwide. BCF will also demonstrate pilot projects currently taking place in countries adopting blockchain technology for sustainable development.
Global blockchain leaders confirmed to speak include: Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, CEO of Binance; Ariana Fowler, Strategist at ConsenSys Social Impact; Louis de Bruin, Blockchain Leader Europe at IBM; Galia Benartzi, co-founder of Bancor Protocol; Marta Piekarska, Director of Ecosystem at Hyperledger; Chris Fabian, co-founder of UNICEF Innovation Fund; and more.
“We are excited to be able to share what we are doing to promote economic development in Africa via community currencies built on blockchain technology,” said Galia Benartzi of Bancor.
Stephen DeMeulenaere, organizer and curator of the event, shared: “The interest in this topic is so high that we are anticipating many heads of state in the room, with some presenting.” In addition to heads of state and senior government officials in attendance, the forum will feature presentations from NGOs and UN leaders with various views on the implications of blockchain technology on sustainable development.
The Blockchains for Sustainable Development event is free to attend for registered attendees; learn more and register at http://www.b4sd.net.