Blockchain Alliance Fosters Global Cooperation at UN IGF to Address Climate and Digital Challenges

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a non-profit initiative co-founded by Bybit and dedicated to advancing responsible blockchain innovation, played a pivotal role in fostering global digital cooperation during the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) in Oslo. The alliance co-hosted a high-level dinner titled “Bridging the Future: Blockchain, Governance & Global Cooperation” at the historic Akershus Fortress, an event officially supported by the UN IGF Secretariat. The gathering brought together government officials, UN representatives, and leaders from the blockchain and AI sectors to explore how decentralized technologies can drive inclusive, ethical, and interoperable digital infrastructure [1].

The event underscored blockchain’s potential to address global challenges such as climate action, humanitarian aid, and secure digital identity systems. Glenn Tan, BGA’s Director of Global Affairs, emphasized the urgency of building forward-looking infrastructure that prioritizes collective good over short-term gains. “As blockchain transitions from hype cycles to hard infrastructure across the internet, we must ensure that systems built today serve the collective good of tomorrow,” he stated. The dinner featured participation from high-profile figures, including Mauritius’ President Dharambeer Gokhool, Argentina’s National Deputy Pamela Calletti, Chilean Senator Kenneth Pugh, and representatives from UN agencies and national parliaments [1].

President Gokhool highlighted the event as a “collective call to conscience,” stressing the need for trust, collaboration, and shared values in shaping a digital future aligned with AI and emerging technologies. Henry Wang, a founding member of the Singapore Internet Governance Forum (SGIGF), echoed these sentiments, noting that the next two decades of internet governance must be co-created across sectors, systems, and sovereignties. He argued that blockchain, when paired with responsible governance and AI ethics, could serve as the “connective tissue” for a decentralized, inclusive internet [1].

BGA’s efforts align with a broader shift in the blockchain industry toward balancing innovation with accountability. Bybit’s involvement reflects cryptocurrency firms’ growing interest in institutionalizing blockchain’s societal applications, particularly as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. However, the initiative faces challenges, including reconciling divergent global regulations and addressing technical barriers such as energy consumption and complexity. Critics note that while blockchain can enhance transparency, its widespread adoption remains constrained by these factors [2].

The UN IGF, a multilateral platform for internet governance, provided a strategic stage for BGA to amplify its mission. The alliance’s focus on cross-border collaboration mirrors initiatives by entities like the World Economic Forum and the International Telecommunication Union, which also prioritize technology-driven climate action. Yet, blockchain’s participation in such forums is still nascent, and its contributions will need to demonstrate tangible benefits without exacerbating inequalities.

BGA’s advocacy gains added urgency with the 2025 UN Climate Summit approaching. The alliance plans to continue its dialogue at the inaugural Singapore IGF Conference on October 1, 2025, where regional stakeholders will lead discussions on resilient internet governance. Long-term success will hinge on measurable impact, such as pilot projects in disaster relief or carbon credit tracking, while navigating the evolving legal landscape for blockchain applications [3].

Sources:

[1] PR Newswire, “Blockchain for Good Alliance Leads Global Digital Cooperation at UN IGF 2025,” https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-for-good-alliance-leads-global-digital-cooperation-at-un-igf-2025-302516327.html

[2] AAP News, “Media Releases,” https://aapnews.aap.com.au/media-releases

[3] Bitcoin World, “Trending,” https://bitcoinworld.co.in/crypto-whale-liquidation-averted/