"UK MPs Learn Blockchain in Crypto Valley"

The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) has launched the world's first blockchain education program tailored for political policymakers. "Blockchain Basics for Policymakers" aims to equip governmental officials and civil servants with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, ensuring well-informed decision-making on cryptocurrency and Web3 policies.

The inaugural institutional pilot of the course will take place in Zug, Switzerland, often referred to as the "Crypto Valley." A delegation of UK Members of Parliament (MPs), led by Dr. Lisa Cameron, a prominent advocate for crypto policy and the Founder of the UKUS Crypto Alliance, is confirmed to attend the three-day intensive training.

The initiative comes at a time when governments worldwide are seeking to regulate and integrate blockchain technology into their economies. The UK, in particular, is positioning itself as a global hub for financial innovation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently unveiled a £14 billion AI action plan aimed at expanding the country's technology sector and creating over 13,000 new jobs.

Dr. Cameron has been a vocal proponent of blockchain adoption within the UK's legislative framework, having previously contributed to a Parliament-endorsed report on the UK's development as a crypto hub in 2022. Speaking about the significance of the course, she stated, "Given the prominent role that blockchain technology is poised to play in the UK's tech sector, it is essential that policymakers are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Polkadot Blockchain Academy's inaugural course offers a valuable opportunity for MPs to gain firsthand insights into the real-world applications of Web3."

The course will cover fundamental blockchain concepts, regulatory considerations, and potential guardrails for AI-driven applications, ensuring policymakers understand how emerging technologies intersect with Web3. Additional delegations from other jurisdictions are expected to follow, marking this as a global initiative to educate lawmakers on blockchain's potential.

The first institutional pilot of the program will also be attended by Chrissy Hill, Chief Legal Officer and Interim Chief Operating Officer at Parity Technologies, the core development team behind Polkadot. She emphasizes the critical role education plays in bridging the knowledge gap between policymakers and the blockchain industry, stating, "Policymakers play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain, yet have empirically lacked access to structured education on its technical and regulatory foundations." She then added that