Our world as it re-structures itself today, needs growing support mechanisms that grant + empowerment in it's truest fulfillment with the freedom to own our purpose and drive it. + Socio-economic instability continues distancing these innate and natural rights from being + met collectively. But, every new spark of perception innovating, re-assures the bridging of + these distances. Sourced in trusting this potential are the Sustainable Development Goals + and technical advancements such as Blockchain. + + + Blockchain graced us with it's first appearance in 1991, when research scientists, Stuart + Haber and W Scott Stornetta developed a computationally practical solution for time-stamping + digital documents to avoid shuffling. The system worked through a cryptographically secured + chain of blocks to store them. The following year, Merkle tree was incorporated into the + system to make it more efficient by allowing several documents and collating them in one + block. However, it wanted more. + + Hal Finney, a computer scientist and cryptographic activist brought a system called RPoW + (Reusable proof-of-work) in 2004. The system worked by receiving a non-exchangeable + Hashcash, an early step in the movement of cryptocurrencies. + + In 2008, a decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system called Bitcoin was introduced + by posting to a cryptography mailing list under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto. The + double spending protection in Bitcoin was provided by a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol + to track and verify the transactions. On 3rd January, 2009, Bitcoin came into existence as + the first bitcoin block was mined by Satoshi Nakamoto with a reward of 50 bitcoins. The + world’s first Bitcoin transaction took place on the 12th of January, 2009, Hal Finney was + the first recipient of Bitcoin and he received 10 bitcoins from Satoshi Nakamoto. In 2013, + Vitalik Buterin, a programmer and a co-founder of the Bitcoin Magazine said that Bitcoin + needed a scripting language for building decentralized applications. He started developing a + new blockchain-based distributed computing platform called Ethereum with a scripting + functionality called smart contracts. Blockchain is now being applied more extensively to + serve global challenges and the need for efficient incorporation of fundamental structures + in the society that serve better towards a sustained inclusive development.
+The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise called the Global Goals, were embraced by + the United Nations Member States in 2015 with the inspiration to end destitution, secure the + planet and guarantee every human a harmonious and thriving living by 2030.The 17 SDGs have + been adopted with a common understanding that activity in one area will influence results in + others, therefore a collective advancement of social, monetary and ecological + maintainability can not be dismissed in measuring progress.The global development index is a + clear indicator of inclusivity being the biggest challenge to sustained development, through + the pledge to 'Leave No One Behind', nations have resolved to quick track progress for those + uttermost behind first. The SDGs are intended to bring the world to a few extraordinary + 'zeros'- zero poverty, hunger, and biases against minority groups. Everybody is expected to + arrive at these driven targets with a collaboration of innovation, skill and financial + resources from the varied layers of distribution in society. + + When the SDGs came to surface for implementation in 2012, blockchain was in it's initial + days of innovation, and few might have anticipated the direction and the capability of this + technology for propelling these ambitious targets, but today we see blockchain innovation + re-casting conventional ways of dealing with sustainable development and speeding up + progress whenever deployed responsibly. Research on blockchain is swiftly progressing. + Reasonable framings, and initial empirical studies in IS, have begun to move past the first + thin thought of blockchain regarding its applications in the financial area solely, and have + begun to explore possibilities in more extensive clusters. Blockchain is empowering + sustainability by upgrading transparency of supply chains, boosting circular economies, + diminishing data asymmetry in resource management, amplifying results, improving calamity + readiness, and supporting geospatial platforms.
+Zero Hunger as Sustainable Development Goal-2, aims to ensure sufficient food to nurture all + living on Planet Earth, specially those who because of their internal or external + circumstances, are underprivileged and dependent on relief funds and support to sustain them + in various ways. For this intent to turn into reality, efficient collaboration and + mechanisms for balancing environmental, economic and social considerations throughout the + food supply chain are necessary. Blockchain is a good participant in enabling this process + by ensuring consistent and unaltered traceability from origin to destination. Moving deeper + into source, Blockchain is simplifying and aggregating efficiency of agricultural processes + and integration, and also providing small farmers better opportunities for trade and + commerce through improved market transparency. + + + According to a report by Bhook (an organization working towards reducing hunger) in 2013, + more than 20 crore Indians sleep hungry every night. The Government is all set to implement + a mechanism which helps the surplus food reach the needy in an efficient manner. + + The apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in association + with the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) Foundation, is all + set to implement a technology platform for Food Donation in India. Initially, the network of + 81 such organisations across India, known as the Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA) will be + a part of this platform, which will be providing a 24-hour helpline service , an interactive + application as well as a back-end website to connect donors with surplus food in search of + end to end food distribution to needy people all across the country. According to Pawan + Agarwal, CEO Of FSSAI, “This platform and its services would definitely help in reducing + food wastage and hunger in the country with the help of Food Donation.” FSSAI is also + working on setting up an identification system which will remove hazardous substances from + the food supply chain so customers can count on reliability. + + The World Food Programme is a UN based agency that mainly focuses on hunger mitigation and + food security. Globally, it is an organization that responds to ensuring the availability of + food wherever it's needed, especially in the time of civil variance and natural disasters, + it is responsible for one of the latest innovations that comes with the intellectual + property of food security at a Global level. The World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership + with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has introduced an innovative + Iris scan payment system in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp that allows 76,000 Syrian refugees + to purchase food from their camp supermarkets using only a scan of their eyes instead of + cash, vouchers or e-cards. WFP's 'Building Blocks' initiative is looking forward to + integrating blockchain technology for wider distribution systems next.
+The health and well-being of people at all ages lies at the heart of sustainability. + Protection from various diseases is not only fundamental to survival, but also empowers + progress of nodal and global communities as a whole. + + Globally, the spread of major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis has + decreased, but they still remain a cause for concern. Immense progress has been made + globally in finding treatments, vaccines, and technologies for health-care, but universal + affordable access to healthcare is still lacking, and challenging global development, making + the role and need for related integrative technical advancements even more prominent. + + A Health Information System (HIS) refers to a system which is particularly designed to + manage healthcare data and ease the availability of healthcare services, including all + relevant data from related activities of providers and health organizations. Electronic + Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) are the two examples of HIS. Digital + Health initiatives must be guided by a robust Strategy that involves financial, + organizational and technological resource management delivery in every region. + + Within the availability of these technical advancements comes the relevant role of + safeguarding human rights through the prevention of mal-treatment and nutrition, abuse, + neglect and negative impact from unreasonable environmental conditions. + + The integration between various stakeholders is rather complex in the health care system + with physicians, patients, insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms and governments all + coming together to assist healthy intervention and their benefits. Blockchain technology is + becoming a trusted choice in simplifying the process. + + Healthcare management systems are finding new ways to efficiency, and integrating Electronic + Medical Records on Blockchain is yet another example of it. Medical Records include + information about a patient's medical or treatment history, including procedures, diagnoses, + medicines, tests, immunizations, allergies and both past and future treatment plans if + required. Blockchain supports the management and accuracy of Electronic Health Record + (EHRs). EMRs and EHRs are used interchangeably, unlike EHRs, EMRs came along first as a + digital version of paper data charts for clinical observations. EMRs contain medical and + treatment history of the patients. However, EHRs generally focus on the health of a patient, + going beyond the standard clinical data accounted in the provider’s office with a a broader + view on a patient’s well being . + + FHIRChain (Fast Health Interoperability Records + Blockchain), a blockchain-based + application is using ethereum for sharing clinical data that focuses on healthcare record + management. It also provides solutions for patients that meet requirements from the Office + Of National Coordinator(ONC) . + + MedBlock helps maintain the address of blocks containing records of a patient grouped by a + healthcare provider. Each patient inventory contains one reference to the corresponding + record on the blockchain. BlocHIE is providing both off chain and on chain storage. Ancile + is another EMR -blockchain integration providing privacy, security and support reliability. + + + The use of blockchain technology in health insurance is ushering in freedom from + intermediaries, and allowing health coverage benefits with collective integrity. + + Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (PSC), is another area of healthcare where Blockchain proposes + to be more actively involved in the near future .
+Blockchain technology has developed unique capabilities to support rapid response to natural + disasters over the last few decades. These disasters have tremendous impact on the + communities affected, requiring much time, energy and resources to rebuild. During these + natural disasters, companies, relief agencies, and non-governmental organizations + collaborate with the local, state and national governments to manage relief efforts. These + stakeholders often face a wide range of challenges in coordinating efficiently and going + through clearances, which lead to loss in terms of time and accountability. The introduction + of blockchain mechanisms for rapid response to disaster management is resolving those + challenges significantly. The key challenges faced by communities and organization during + disaster relief efforts include lack of transparency and audit-ability, unorganized and + clumsy registration process for volunteers, ambiguous coordination across welfare + organizations and communities, difficult collection and distribution efforts leading to the + duplication of efforts and waste,etc. + + Blockchain offers transparent accessibility through the network to see these challenges + through by being able to substantiate information obtained from various sources regarding + natural or anthropogenic hazards, gathering information from systems that work independently + to achieve transparency, supporting registration of volunteers and securing rewards for them + and other contributors, tracking the delivery of supplies such as vaccine, food and + medicines and also providing services in this complex supply chain; overall, + simplifying collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders involved in relief + efforts. Relief and support efforts for the global pandemic at present can benefit from more + applications of this technology.
+The use of blockchain is expanding globally, one of its foremost examples is the launch of + UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund. UNICEF is the first International Organization to exchange value + in the form of cryptocurrencies through blockchain without any intermediaries. + Cryptocurrencies are accepted and distributed as donations through the UNICEF Cryptocurrency + Fund. This initiative offers new opportunities to enhance resource sharing and other + internal processes that are substantial to the success of UNICEF's global development + schemes. + + The UNICEF Cryptofund will accept donations to finance early-stage open-source technology + benefiting children and youth. UNICEF USA, Australia, France, and New Zealand are four major + UNICEF national committees which will be able to receive crypto donations. The funds will be + further applied to specific UNICEF-supported projects set up to receive payments in this + form without having to convert in euros or dollars. For example, GIGA initiative is a + project aimed at improving internet connectivity in schools and this project is being + carried out successfully through the UNICEF Cryptofund. UNICEF has been exploring more ways + to enhance its programs in health, education and emergency relief through blockchain. + + Many innovative drives are being sustained and initiated by UNICEF through blockchain for + humanitarian work. + + One-third children in the world lack a legal identity today. This lack of legal identity can + interfere with their ability to get enrolled in schools, also leaving them susceptible to + illegal adoptions, child labor, and human trafficking. However, blockchain technology can + grant them a secure identity, and also run social security checks over the number of + individuals leaning to adopt children, make records of biological parents in a national + system after the first case of reported abuse, controlling child abuse cases across the + network effectively. + + Blockchain can improve the investigation process for a missing child through the activation + of Social Sensors to locate specific geographical areas where the missing child was seen + last. + + One can also use a mobile application to send the case information, which will act as + potential evidence. The testimonial will further assist in detecting the identification and + prevent it's vindictive use. All evidence submissions are recorded in a secure and + incorruptible digital ledger on the blockchain. Thus, there is an assurance of trust in + variability with the preservation of consistent reported information. + + Blockcerts aims to provide quality education through standardizing issuing, viewing and + verifying academic and professional certifications, workforce and professional credentials. + The role of smart flexible technologies is ever growing with implements to see them through. +
+In 2018, the UN Women and UN office of information and Communication Technology (UN OICT) + organized a four-day live simulation to explore cutting-edge solutions based on blockchain + technologies that address various issues and challenges faced by women and girls in + humanitarian settings, and offer more advanced identification and financial services to + refugees. + + IDbox, a solar-powered blockchain-based device that can create a unique digital identity + with a fingerprint and can run on 2G phones is providing countries that lack bank accounts + or basic services with the option to use their IDbox to streamline financial inclusion, + energy trading, access to health services, and even voting. Another innovation called SPENN + by Blockbonds offers interactivity among the users for an income-generating opportunity in + East Africa. If such innovations are used in all UN refugee camps, safety and management can + be scored without using physical cash to further promote women's control over their funds. A + safe place to save and store humanitarian cash transfers and remittances can prove a + strategic move to cope with shocks and build resilience. + + Blockchain is helping women run their own businesses and creating a market for women vendors + and consumers exclusively. Transparent transactions ensure that donors are always aware of + what is happening with their donations, and enabling their reception by the most deserving. + Most human trafficking and exploitation victims are left with little or no relief from their + limiting conditions because they lack an identity, one that is consistent and can re-assure + them of their security in the order and grants of society, this manipulation and control by + offenders can be mitigated with digital secure identification. + + Oliver Mukuta highlighted the issue of fund inputs in African Nations. As majority of the + families are headed by men, remittances for the sake of education were not used wisely. Even + working women in these countries have to face the heat because they have money, and men want + to take un-reasonable advantage of that. Oliver Mukuta With her team came up with a vision + to lock up resources that can be used by women only by providing them secure identity + grants. They developed Vipicash as a solution, now money can be sent to their aunt's family, + or friends and locked in with a specific service, like school fees and groceries. Another + benefit, Financial transactions are done without transaction fee, why should fee be charged + for helping others?
+The 17 SDGs are to be actioned by both developed and developing countries. The earlier target + of reducing extreme poverty by the Millennium Development Goals fell short. The reason being + that poverty is attached to other factors like equality, hunger, healthcare, hygiene, + sanitation, climate change, etc. + + The Third International Conference on Financing for Development, adopted Addis Ababa Action + Agenda laying concrete policies to action in support of these goals serving as a compass for + countries to align with global commitments. Resource mobilization and financial strategies + are expected to be contributed to by all stakeholders such as the Government, civil + societies, the private sector and others for the realisation of the new agenda.This global + initiative wills to ultimately bring changes in the living standard of every country, and + lead to a life of peace, security, and dignity. + + One of the biggest challenges being faced in this direction at present is owed to high-tech + globalized capitalism, lack of stable and well-paid employment, especially for people + without technical skills. Undoubtedly, technology has resulted in excluding many + intermediate jobs, thus worsening inequality in the world but also increasing efficiency, + production and growth at the same time. + + Blockchain has tried to cover for these contradictions to advancement by providing solutions + towards UBI or GBI, global basic income through exploring DeFi protocols, and + pre-distributed mechanisms as opposed to re-distributed and centrally designated ones for + the purpose. + + As per reports, the wealth that is currently owned by the rich is equal to the cumulative + wealth of the rest 90% of the population in the US. The mechanisms at place obviously need + to be restructured and given a collective voice through basic ownership within the system as + a whole. Universal right to intellectual and capital goods must be considered to confront + inequality. Blockchain ensures a collaborative economy and community ownership of + practices. + + Blockchain adoptions are growing and the scope is limited only if we want it to be. Estonia + was the first country to surrender to the progressive potential of blockchain in all systems + of governance, many have followed since, for instance,'Digital Identity against Poverty' + program started by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand, it was initiated + in 2019, as a digital identification platform using blockchain-based time stamping for + authentication. The Federal Tax Service of (FTS) of the Russian Federation launched a + blockchain platform 'MasterChain', in 2020 to issue interest free loans to small SMEs. + + + + These far-reaching, people-centered goals and targets are being met by solutions that could + not be predicted, but are appearing as embodiments of the probabilities of potential.
+Environmental degradation triggers ill-health, depletion of natural resources and an increase + in natural disasters, all contributing to poor quality of life and security. Climate change + has become a common topic of discussion over the past few years, owing more to the direct + consequences of negligence that are appearing rapid and consistent in expressing an + imbalance that is seeking solutions towards sustainability. Our natural environment has + always taught us the art of improvisation, the most sustainable communities in the world + have learnt to understand and respect healthy collaborations as off shoots of bio-diverse + inter-dependability. So, it is no surprise that blockchain technology is now taking center + stage in the green technical arena, merging variable inter-dependability with reliable + consistency. "With blockchain, we can clean more water and create an opportunity for anyone + in the world to build their own portfolio of projects for a share of the profits. We won't + have to ask for permission; we will chose the best projects using the power of "people + investing". Waterchain. + + Waterchain is funding projects around the world, the sensors enable instant payments to the + participants, and a continuous stream of income for Waterchain. + + The Cryptocoin in partnership with Cleanwater project is empowering communities through + participation in projects that are organised, owned and managed by these communities + themselves. Blockchain-enabled shared exchanging of water assets; decentralised, + catchment-quality control, cost-effective resource transactions, clean and consistent + information for all stakeholders across the network without any locational or intermedial + boundaries or limitations, add to the advantages. + + Blockchain provides transparency across the supply-demand chain, creating more awareness in + making informed choices and allowing more dependable and inclusive collaborations. Quality + audits have made standardisation more productive, standardisation is done with regards to + technology, climate clusters/families, climate action activities and data methodologies for + transforming data valuation in incorporating and assigning to appropriate bodies within the + network. + + Eco-friendly products and services are applying the technology for carbon neutral consensus + and verification and supply chain accounting to measure how green and ecological a product + is. + + New financial ecosystems for exchanging clean energy and monitoring carbon emissions are + becoming more active as an alternative to long enactments and delayed implementation. + + Kultur-Token is a governmentally owned app with the primary goal to incentivize citizens in + Vienna towards using eco-friendly commuting options such as cycling, walking and taking + public transport, and rewarding them them with virtual tokens that they can exchange for + tickets to renowned cultural institutions. The KT app uses motion tracking to calculate + personal CO2 balance. Kultr uses Proof of Authority technology (PoA), a more energy + efficient alternative to Proof of Work (PoW). + + Climate ledger Initiative (CLI) is a Zurich-based platform initiated to test the potential + of blockchain for implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. DAO IPCI platform + initiated by the Russian Carbon Foundation in 2017, introduced 'Blockchain Climate Standard' + for issuance and verification of carbon units. DAO is creating an eco-system for carbon + market compliance and environmental assets. + + Low Carbon Tea Project in Kenya, uses blockchain's traceability and transparency to promote + trust between consumers and retailers, the tea is regarded as 'carbon sink', and can give + producers access to carbon markets, providing economic incentives for small scale tea + producers. + + Green Assets Wallet and Climate Tokens provide consumer disclosure, carbon neutrality, + standards assessment and certifications for renewable technology, accountability and + co-ordination with various stakeholders to ensure all efforts are met and rewarded in an + integrated global network. + + The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, in partnership with Biodiversity Solutions Australia is + creating an alternate source of income for landowners by providing them bioTokens for + preserving biodiversity on land and the marine environment. + + + Wildlife Credits is scheme intiated by the Nambian community-based natural resource + mangement (CBNRM), they offer direct payments for wildlife sightings on their territory, and + for keeping the habitat well. The system keeps interference owed to corruption out of the + payments and ecosystem services, benefiting community development through ecological + preservation.
+Blockchain as a technology has found it's genius in supporting the heart of humanity by not + dismissing the social implications of change, and instead harnessing limitations towards + positive impact through a commitment to explore applications of self.
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