At ETHPrague on May 28, an insightful discussion took center stage as Aya Miyaguchi, President of the Ethereum Foundation, sat down with Christopher Fabian, founder of Giga and a key driver of innovation at UNICEF. Together, they traced the evolution of blockchain adoption within the United Nations system, culminating in the launch of the UNICEF CryptoFund the UN’s first-ever vehicle for holding and distributing cryptocurrency.
Blockchain at UNICEF: A Revolution Rooted in 2018
Christopher Fabian recounted the uphill journey of introducing blockchain into an institution as large and traditional as UNICEF. Back in 2018, the concept of using cryptocurrency to facilitate donations and funding was still novel, particularly for public sector organizations. Fabian, drawing on his tech background and startup experience, had to bridge a wide knowledge gap.
“It was 2018… and all of these misunderstandings about what the thing is made it take a lot longer than it should have,” said Fabian.
To explain blockchain’s utility, he used relatable metaphors describing cryptocurrency as “an intangible motorcycle” used to deliver services like vaccines in remote areas. Another memorable analogy compared crypto to fungus growing on trees, portraying decentralized finance as a natural offshoot of institutional frameworks rather than a direct disruptor.
The Launch of UNICEF’s CryptoFund
That initial groundwork paid off in October 2019, when UNICEF launched its CryptoFund, becoming the first UN entity to accept, hold, and disburse cryptocurrencies. Starting with 125 ETH, the fund initially supported eight early-stage startups working on projects for social impact.
Over time, the CryptoFund has grown into a strategic tool supporting broader initiatives like Giga, a UNICEF-affiliated venture co-founded by Fabian. Giga aims to provide internet access to underserved schools and communities, bridging the global digital divide.
Ethereum Foundation’s Strategic Partnership
Aya Miyaguchi shared the origins of the Ethereum Foundation’s involvement, tracing it back to a chance meeting with Fabian during DevCon in Osaka. Impressed by his understanding of both blockchain and humanitarian needs, she felt an immediate alignment in mission and vision.
“It had to be the right team,” Miyaguchi said. “We’re not going to be the one to drive a ship inside the organization. It’s about supporting the right people who can make that change.”
Recognizing the global credibility of UNICEF and the potential of blockchain technology to support development, Miyaguchi helped catalyze the collaboration one that would eventually set a precedent for similar initiatives across the humanitarian space.
A Model for Systemic Change
Fabian emphasized the importance of organic, ecosystem-style integration of blockchain into large institutions. Just as trees cannot be moved abruptly, organizations like the UN require subtle and sustainable change — which blockchain, when introduced correctly, can provide.
That philosophy is now reflected in wider UN sentiment. The UNDP’s 2025 roadmap includes plans to explore blockchain’s role in human development, showcasing how the technology is steadily being embraced for its long-term potential rather than short-term hype.
What started as a visionary effort in 2018 has now become a leading example of how blockchain technology can serve humanity. The collaboration between the Ethereum Foundation and UNICEF, along with the success of the CryptoFund, has opened the door for broader experimentation and adoption of crypto in global development.
As projects like Giga continue to scale and institutional resistance fades, blockchain is being redefined not just as a financial tool, but as a lifeline for equity, connectivity, and innovation across borders.
