During the UN Digital Cooperation Day held on September 21, 2026, in New York, a dedicated panel discussed the role of blockchain and tokenized assets. The session, titled 'Blockchain and the Tokenized Future: Sovereign Choices and Safeguards for Next-Gen DPI,' featured Paystand CEO Jeremy Almond and Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
Participants argued that Bitcoin and tokenized assets could function as digital public infrastructure for developing nations. The discussion emphasized that such tools might allow countries to establish self-sustaining economic systems, reducing reliance on traditional aid. The panel highlighted the importance of sovereign choice in adopting these technologies.
Pakistan, with a population exceeding 230 million, is actively using UN platforms to advocate for global digital asset rules linked to sustainable development. The country is currently developing a regulatory framework that aims to balance innovation with consumer protection, positioning itself as a leader in blockchain-based development.
The UN has previously engaged with digital asset topics in 2026. In February, the Bitcoin Policy Institute participated in UNCITRAL proceedings regarding legal frameworks for tokenized instruments. Additionally, the UN Development Programme continues to research distributed ledger technology for applications such as land registries and identity verification.
