UNDP ( United Nations Development Program) has partnered with the DFINITY Foundation, which will leverages the Internet Computer blockchain technology to further develop and implement the Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC) initiative. This collaboration underscores a significant step towards enhancing digital trust and financial inclusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) globally.

This framework – the Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC) launched in collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and other partners when implemented in several countries, will not only enhance domestic access to financing for MSMEs but also unlock access to trade financing across participating countries due to the enhanced cross-border trust in the data provided. The UTC solution aims to stimulate the adoption of digital technologies, which will include blockchain-based solutions, with the view to ultimately build a vibrant and sustainable financial ecosystem that empowers MSMEs.

The DFINITY Foundation will utilize its expertise in decentralized compute platforms and digital identity solutions to develop and test the prototype for a robust data infrastructure (platform) for the UTC pilot initiative in Cambodia. This infrastructure will ensure the secure storage and management of digital credentials, enhancing the trust and reliability of the UTC system.

“The partnership with the DFINITY Foundation marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to advance digital inclusion and economic empowerment for MSMEs in Cambodia,” stated Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. “By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we can create a more secure and accessible digital credentialing system that will drive sustainable development and economic growth.”

The DFINITY Foundation is the creator and major contributor to the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), the underlying technology that will be instrumental in building a decentralized and tamper-proof data infrastructure, providing the high level of security and transparency needed for the UTC initiative to succeed. This collaboration will not only benefit Cambodian MSMEs but after the pilot in Cambodia, this project plans to scale to 10 countries.

“MSMEs represent the backbone of most economies, and the UTC initiative represents a unique opportunity to bring transparency and increase inclusion within a financial system that often fails to cater to their needs”, stated Dominic Williams, Chief Scientist and Founder of the DFINITY Foundation. “By utilizing the Internet Computer blockchain technology, the UTC initiative is set to benefit from over a thousand person-years of research and development and will be supported by some of the leading cryptographers and experts in the field of digital identity”.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the UNDP to leverage technology and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

In 2023 DFINITY launched its GCC hub and supported a UAE recycling project.

UAE based InvoiceMate in collaboration with The Internet Computer (ICP) blockchain has successfully tokenized over 100 K invoices worth more than $220 million. InvoiceMate, is a platform for invoice tokenization recognized by Deloitte.

As per the press release, this achievement marks a significant advancement in decentralized finance (DeFi) and highlights the transformative potential of ICP’s blockchain technology in real-world assets (RWAs).

ICP’s decentralized network, known for its scalability, security, and interoperability and its innovative architecture provides an ideal ecosystem for the tokenization of real-world assets, revolutionizing traditional finance. Over 1,850 businesses have benefited, with more than 101,000 invoices tokenized, demonstrating ICP’s capacity to handle large-scale financial processes efficiently and securely.

InvoiceMate, in partnership with ICP, transforms traditional invoices into digital assets, empowering SMEs globally. “InvoiceMate is proud to collaborate with ICP in tokenizing over $220 million worth of invoices,” said Muhammad Ibrahim, head of Web3 and innovation at InvoiceMate. “This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation in finance and empowering businesses of all sizes.”

Supported by the Dfinity Foundation, ICP is a decentralized network protocol that revolutionizes the internet by providing a scalable, secure, and interoperable platform for blockchain-based applications. Its architecture allows for the seamless tokenization of real-world assets, unlocking new possibilities for DeFi and financial inclusion.