Blockchain Alliance International (BAI) is a network of financiers, companies, academics, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governments dedicated to utilizing the blockchain (the technology behind cryptocurrencies and other forms of non-fungible digital items) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN).
In January 2024, Blockchain Alliance was among 72 organizations to receive a recommendation for special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, a consultancy within the UN.
Background
According to its website, Blockchain Alliance International is a network of stakeholders, entrepreneurs, companies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governments dedicated to utilizing the blockchain (the technology behind cryptocurrencies and other forms of nonfungible digital items) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. The SDGs are an “urgent call” for countries to reach certain milestones in economy and environment by 2030, such as reduced inequalities, no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, climate action, responsible consumption and production, and affordable and clean energy. 1
Blockchain Alliance has two physical locations, one in New York City and another in Seoul, South Korea. 2
Activities
Blockchain Alliance International allows organizations as well as individuals to apply for formal partnership. Examples it gives of typical partner organizations include blockchain innovators, law firms, financial institutions, start-ups, and leaders from the private, public, or academic sectors. All partners are verified in a strict approval process by BAI’s leadership. 3
BAI partners gain access to events all over the world to educate leaders about the ways new technology can be implemented. BAI also helps its partners obtain sponsorships, fosters relationships between corporations and governments, and updates readers on developments in blockchain technology. 4
BAI has a blog on the developments of blockchain technology and its relation to environmental sustainability. In 2023, it published a write up of an event it held called “Blockchain Mining Economy and Energy Sustainability” in which it deplored the amount of electricity that bitcoin mining consumes and advocated for the adoption of clean energy in bitcoin production. 5
United Nations Consultative Status
In January 2024, Blockchain Alliance was among 72 organizations to receive a recommendation for special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, a consultancy within the United Nations (UN). 6
Organizations that receive special consultative status from the 19-member committee get access to council meetings and are allowed to issue statements through the council. At the time, newly elected committee chair Zebib Gebrekidan said 508 groups were considered in total. Furthermore, Sustainable Development director Neil Pierre took the opportunity to stress the importance of alliances between the UN and nonprofit organizations both because they serve as gateways to those particular issues and because the NGO Branch is in a desperate financial situation, implying that the UN’s recognition of these groups would boost the branch’s funding. 7
Financials
According to its 2023 tax return, Blockchain Alliance International had a revenue of $443, expenses of $15,436, and ended the year with net assets of $499. 8
References
- “The 17 Goals.” Social Development Goals – United Nations. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
- “About Us.” Blockchain Alliance International. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://baisd.org/aboutus/.
- “Partnership.” Blockchain Alliance International. Accessed February 11, 2024. https://baisd.org/partnership/.
- “Partnership.” Blockchain Alliance International. Accessed February 11, 2024. https://baisd.org/partnership/.
- BAI Editor. “Blockchain Mining Economy and Energy Sustainability.” Blockchain Alliance International, July 29, 2023. Accessed February 11, 2024. https://baisd.org/2023/07/29/bai-attended-houston-bitcoin-conference-in-july-2023/.
- “Opening its 2024 Session, Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 72 Entities for Consultative Status, Defers Action on 58 Others.” Press – United Nations, January 22, 2024. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://press.un.org/en/2024/ngo964.doc.htm.
- “Opening its 2024 Session, Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 72 Entities for Consultative Status, Defers Action on 58 Others.” Press – United Nations, January 22, 2024. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://press.un.org/en/2024/ngo964.doc.htm.
- Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Blockchain Alliance International. 2022. Part I, lines 9, 17, 21.