Advancing Blockchain Technology to Help the Bottom Billion
Jane Thomason, Ph.D.
Hugh McDonough
More than 1.1 billion people worldwide have no identity, according to the World Bank. These “invisible people” have no legal proof they exist and, without an identity, they face additional hurdles in trying to avoid poverty and discrimination and in gaining access to important health and education services.
In times of displacement, this problem escalates and makes family reunification and the restoration of property rights and assets extremely difficult. The numbers are significant: More than 65.6 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, according to the UN Human Rights Council. Of those, 22 million are refugees and more than half of them are under 18 and women and girls making up around 50 percent of any refugee, internally displaced or stateless population. Those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled or elderly are especially vulnerable.
Abt Associates recognizes that Blockchain has the potential to help move millions of people from vulnerability to security. That’s why we have partnered with technology companies to explore possible solutions to address an especially at risk population – displaced women and children.
Abt Invited to Demonstrate Technology to Help Women and Girls
Abt and our partners ChromaWay, Cadasta, and IDBox are one of eight teams presenting two Blockchain applications to UN Women during an invite-only, closed-door Blockchain Live Test and Simulation Lab. UN Women, in partnership with the UN Office of Information and Communications Technology, is hosting this event to further explore the potential of Blockchain technologies in addressing challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.
Abt will demonstrate two Blockchain applications that are focused around creating secure identities for women and children in developing nations, with a particular focus on refugees. Jane Thomason, CEO of Abt Australia, Hugh McDonough, director of global innovation at Abt, and partners will demonstrate the following:
- The Universal Identity Hub is technology that directly connects displaced people to each other and their most important information. Abt is working with ChromaWay and Cadasta to develop and demonstrate this application.
- IDBox is a device that enables people in developing countries to create a unique identity, improves access to financial inclusion, and provides access to use and trade green energy for the poorest and most vulnerable people worldwide.
When: Jan. 29 - Feb. 1, 2018
Where: UN Women New York City Headquarters
Learn more about Abt’s work and thought leadership in Blockchain: