Blockchain Technology and the Sustainable Development Goals: An Analysis of the Role of Blockchain Technology in Realising the SDGs
Author
Nielsen, Krestine Tholstrup
Term
4. term
Publication year
2018
Submitted on
2018-10-16
Pages
50
Abstract
This thesis examines how blockchain technology may contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing people’s capabilities, using the Human Development and Capability Approach as the analytical lens. Against the backdrop of growing interest in blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies, including within UN agencies, the study focuses on two cases in humanitarian and development settings: the World Food Programme’s Building Blocks initiative and the ID2020 effort to provide digital identities to people without formal identification. Without delving into technical detail, the thesis outlines core features of blockchain—decentralised networks, distributed ledgers and cryptographic verification—and considers their potential to improve transparency, efficiency and empowerment. Through case analyses structured around capability expansion and procedural principles, the study finds that blockchain is not a remedy for fundamental institutional shortcomings and should not be adopted uncritically; however, where underlying issues are addressed and the technology’s strengths are appropriately leveraged, it can support progress toward the SDGs. The thesis concludes by calling for continued study of the possibilities and pitfalls of blockchain in relation to the Human Development and Capability Approach.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan blockchain-teknologi kan bidrage til at realisere FN’s verdensmål ved at styrke menneskers kapabiliteter, med den menneskelige udviklings- og kapabilitetsansats som analytisk ramme. På baggrund af den voksende interesse for blockchain ud over kryptovalutaer, herunder i FN-systemet, fokuserer studiet på to cases i humanitær og udviklingsmæssig kontekst: World Food Programme’s Building Blocks-initiativ og ID2020’s arbejde med at give digitale identiteter til personer uden formel identitet. Uden at gå i teknisk dybde skitserer specialet centrale træk ved blockchain som decentraliserede netværk, distribuerede registre og kryptografisk verifikation, og overvejer deres potentiale for øget gennemsigtighed, effektivitet og myndiggørelse. Gennem caseanalyser struktureret omkring kapabilitetsudvidelse og procedurelle principper konkluderes det, at blockchain ikke løser grundlæggende institutionelle problemer og ikke bør indføres ukritisk; men hvor underliggende udfordringer er håndteret, og teknologiens styrker udnyttes passende, kan den understøtte fremskridt mod verdensmålene. Specialet anbefaler fortsat forskning i muligheder og faldgruber ved blockchain i relation til kapabilitetsansatsen.
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