UNDP to Expand Stellar Blockchain Payment Initiative

The United Nations Development Programme is working with the Stellar Development Foundation to use blockchain to improve cross-border disbursements for humanitarian aid and development programs. Traditional channels are more costly in areas with limited banking services or unreliable communications, making lower fees and payment continuity critical to broader adoption.

UNDP announced a new agreement on July 6, 2026, following a 16-month pilot spanning five countries, including Syria. The value of the partnership was not disclosed. A cash-for-work program in Syria cut distribution costs from 10% to 2%, an 80% reduction, while a pilot in Haiti continued processing payments during a mobile network outage.