On 29 May, the UNJSPF held a high-level hybrid session attended by 100 experts in the context of the 2024 World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS+20) High-Level event. WSIS+20 marked a significant milestone of twenty years of progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, setting the framework for global digital cooperation.

Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, Chief Information Officer at UNJSPF, introduced the panel of high-level speakers and showcased the Digital Certificate of Entitlement (DCE) as a safe, responsible, and effective blockchain and biometric-based solution providing proof of identity/identification, existence, transaction and location that, three years since its introduction, is now being used by over 40% of the eligible population of beneficiaries.

Ms. Dimitra Ralli, OIC Programme Director of the UN System Digital ID Programme, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), presented the UN Digital ID, a digital wallet ensuring co-ownership and data quality whose first pension user case will be launched in June 2024 for separating staff from the World Food Programme and United Nations Development Programme. The UN Digital ID built on the DCE design and experience is a scalable project that will eventually be open to all interested UN entities.

Both solutions are practical applications of emerging technologies, which originated from specific needs by respective populations of UNJSPF retirees and beneficiaries, and UN staff that are close to their retirement, and provide strong assurance in terms of data management and ownership.

H.E. Msgr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communication, Holy See, highlighted that science and technology are not morally neutral, and truth and objectivity are not the prerogative of machines. He further highlighted how technological progress does not necessarily result in progress for humanity, and it is our shared responsibility to shape the future we want.

Ms. Sandra Ro, Chief Executive Officer, Global Blockchain Business Council, highlighted their blockchain mapping initiatives and standardization efforts, and commended the UNJSPF and UNICC for leading the way in modernization initiatives and in promoting new technologies that address common challenges.

Dr. Scott Stornetta, Co-inventor of the Blockchain Technology, Partner and Chief Scientist, Yugen Partners, also highlighted the importance of showcasing and learning from practical application of emerging technology. He applauded the uptake of blockchain-based applications “for Good” and beyond crypto. In conclusion, he called for the development of a people-centric information society and the responsible use of emerging technologies that are designed to address specific human needs and problems.

The session’s agenda and information are available here.

You can watch the recording here and read the speakers’ presentation here.

For media inquiries, please contact Mirko Montuori, Public Information Officer, UNJSPF: [email protected].