Stellar and FLock.io Join UNDP Blockchain Accelerator for Global Development

Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) and FLock.io have joined the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) SDG Blockchain Accelerator as technical partners, aiming to advance blockchain-based solutions for global development. The initiative, now entering its second cohort set to launch in September 2025, focuses on leveraging decentralized technologies in areas such as climate finance, inclusive energy, and social protection. Stellar will bring its expertise in cross-border payments and financial inclusion, while FLock.io will contribute its knowledge in privacy-focused AI strategies within blockchain ecosystems [1].

The UNDP’s SDG Blockchain Accelerator is designed to bridge technological innovation with humanitarian and environmental priorities. The initiative aims to support startups, entrepreneurs, and developers who are deploying blockchain to solve complex global challenges. Founding partners include the Blockchain for Good Alliance and EMURGO Labs, further reinforcing the program’s commitment to scalable and sustainable development solutions [4]. The inclusion of SDF and FLock.io reflects the growing recognition of blockchain’s potential to address systemic inefficiencies in areas such as healthcare transparency, digital identity, and supply chain management [2].

Alexey, Program Lead at the UNDP Alternative Finance Lab, emphasized that the accelerator is not merely a platform for experimentation but one for real-world implementation of scalable blockchain solutions. This approach aligns with the UNDP’s broader mission to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development through emerging technologies [1]. By integrating AI with blockchain, the initiative seeks to enhance data integrity, automate processes, and ensure privacy in development programs [2].

The announcement has drawn attention to Stellar’s expanding role in blockchain innovation, particularly in sectors addressing urgent global challenges. Cointu researchers note that such partnerships often lead to increased developer interest and transaction activity on relevant blockchains. This trend may continue as the program’s second cohort progresses, potentially influencing further blockchain innovations in the social impact sector [3].

The collaboration underscores a strategic shift toward using decentralized technologies for public good, positioning blockchain as a tool to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. As the SDG Blockchain Accelerator builds on previous successes, including the first cohort’s work on healthcare transparency using public blockchains, the partnership with SDF and FLock.io is expected to expand its reach and impact across multiple sectors [1].

Sources:

[1] United Nations Development Programme Announces Stellar and FLock.io as New Partners in SDG Blockchain Accelerator (https://innovation.eurasia.undp.org/united-nations-development-programme-announces-stellar-and-flock-io-as-new-partners-in-sdg-blockchain-accelerator/)

[2] UNDP Partners with FLock.io for AI Strategy in Blockchain Initiatives (https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-19-2025-undp-partners-with-flock-io-for-ai-strategy-in-blockchain-initiatives-28523637473850)

[3] UNDP Announces Stellar and FLock.io Join SDG Blockchain Accelerator (https://www.mexc.co/fil-PH/news/undp-announces-stellar-and-flock-io-join-sdg-blockchain-accelerator/66402)

[4] The United Nations Development Programme announced that Stellar and FLock.io have joined the SDG Blockchain Accelerator project (https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2198564)