Blockchain, the underlying technology that first entered into our lexicon via the digital currency Bitcoin, marches on daily with myriads of new uses and applications. We see the technology being developed and implemented in distributed ledgers for trading markets, supply chains, shipping, medical records, and on and on. It's a major paradigm shift that surprisingly few people in the general public still seem to have ever heard about, but thankfully that hasn't stopped its exponential growth and adoption. Even the United Nations has started to implement the technology, first to deliver aid in a test run to 100 people. Since the pilot program was successful, they'll be rolling out a larger program this summer with the intent to continue expanding aid distribution through the technology into 2018 and beyond. Now that's a technology that can transform worlds.
(Cindy Taylor/Publisher)
"In Brief
The UN will be using the blockchain Ethereum to distribute funds from the World Food Program to more than 10,000 people in Jordan this summer.
The computer network is making humanitarian giving simpler and more secure than ever.
Giving That Can Last
Technology has the power to improve people’s lives — and not just by supplying flying cars to millionaires. The computer networks that brought us Bitcoins are advancing in ways that will make humanitarian giving simpler and more secure than ever.
These networks are called blockchains. They are decentralized digital ledgers that allow for an incomparable level of transparency and are equipped with cryptography-based security, making them optimal for making and monitoring transactions. Simply, they take out the middle man (banks) and make the transfer of funds more streamlined and safe.
The United Nations (UN) chose one specific blockchain, Ethereum, to distribute funds from the World Food Program (WFP) in a pilot program earlier this year. The experiment was a success, distributing aid to 100 people in Pakistan.
Meeting a Need
The UN will be putting Ethereum to an even greater challenge now, because, having started May 1, the system will now be used in Jordan to distribute funds to more than 10,000 people. To protect the privacy of those who accept WFP aid, the monetary amount being dispensed is not being announced. Assuming all goes according to plan, the UN expects to use the blockchain to help support 500,000 recipients by 2018..."
Source: Futurism