Episode 3 | Beyond Crypto: Making blockchain work where it matters most

What is blockchain—and how can it improve the lives of children, young people and their communities? The technology is best known for powering digital currencies, which can enable faster cross-border payments, reduce reliance on unstable currencies, and expand access to financial services for people without bank accounts.

But blockchain’s applications go beyond finance. In the humanitarian sector, it’s already being used to track vaccine and medicine deliveries and strengthen agricultural supply chains. In this episode, we hear from leading businesses and experts exploring its potential, while also examining challenges—from regulation to energy use. We also ask whether it truly delivers on its promise of decentralisation—and what it will take for social impact organisations to use it effectively at scale. StaTwig featured in this episode was supported by the UNICEF Venture Fund. Bitget, the GSR Foundation and the Ethereum Foundation are UNICEF partners.

GUESTS

Gracy Chen – CEO, Bitget

Sid Chakravarthy - Founder and CEO, StaTwig

Dr Katina Michael - Professor of Strategy, Innovation and Technology, University of Sydney

Ebba Theding - CEO, 4+Ventures and founding board member, Blockchain Sweden

James Newell – Executive Director, GSR Foundation

Aya Miyaguchi – President, Ethereum Foundation

UNICEF-supported projects or partners featured are clearly highlighted.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

This episode was recorded in summer of 2026.