Tag: GBA

The United Nations (UN) Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic Coalition has distributed a suite of blockchain standards authored by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) including standards for the use of blockchain technology in elections.

The GBA Voting Working Group that developed the election standard is comprised of election officials, election systems vendors, and blockchain experts from around the world. They are driven by a desire to make elections trustworthy and accessible to all voters. According to Utah County Commissioner, Amelia Powers Gardner, “Our county has proven that blockchain technology can secure remote electronic voting, providing access to voters that otherwise could not make it to polls.”

In addition to local election officials, the group also included blockchain-based election vendors. According to Linda Hutchinson, Director of QA & Compliance at Voatz, “Election officials need to have confidence that the systems they use have been objectively and independently verified as trusted solutions.” She goes on to say, “That is why the Voting Working Group is proposing standards for blockchain-based voting systems.”

The group is seeking comments from experts including local elections officials, election equipment vendors, election administrators, regulators, and observers. Comments are also solicited from policymakers, academics, technologists, and enthusiasts in the fields of blockchain and governance to provide their expertise and insights in an open call for comments on the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) Voting Systems Supplement.

As technology continues to revolutionize various sectors, the potential of blockchain in transforming the democratic process is undeniable. With its inherent attributes of transparency, immutability, and decentralization, blockchain has the capacity to enhance the integrity and trustworthiness of elections and voting systems worldwide.

The UN IGF Blockchain Assurance and Standardization Dynamic Coalition has been diligently working on a comprehensive Blockchain Standard tailored specifically for elections. The standard covers crucial areas including:

• Identity verification and authentication of voters
• Ballot casting, tracking, and tallying procedures.
• Ensuring voter privacy and anonymity
• Security measures against cyber threats and attacks
• Transparency and auditability of the entire process

To download the standards and provide comments please visit the Voting System Supplement Request for Comments page.

About the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform for discussing public policy issues related to Internet governance. It brings together diverse stakeholders, informs policymakers, shares best practices, and addresses emerging challenges without producing negotiated outcomes. The IGF’s mandate includes facilitating discourse between international bodies, advising on Internet accessibility in developing countries, and addressing issues like critical Internet resources and misuse.

About the Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic Coalition

The Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Coalition is an open, multistakeholder group hosted by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA). It focuses on defining specific areas of blockchain technology, conducting meetings, proposing standardization goals, piloting projects, and publishing results to promote high-quality, interoperable blockchain systems.

Contact:

Gerard Dache
Executive Director
Government Blockchain Association
gerard.dache@GBAglobal.org

Website: https://bit.ly/3qMMoOX

The United Nations (UN) Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic Coalition has distributed a suite of blockchain standards authored by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) including standards for the use of blockchain technology in elections.

The GBA Voting Working Group that developed the election standard is comprised of election officials, election systems vendors, and blockchain experts from around the world. They are driven by a desire to make elections trustworthy and accessible to all voters. According to Utah County Commissioner, Amelia Powers Gardner, “Our county has proven that blockchain technology can secure remote electronic voting, providing access to voters that otherwise could not make it to polls.”

In addition to local election officials, the group also included blockchain-based election vendors. According to Linda Hutchinson, Director of QA & Compliance at Voatz, “Election officials need to have confidence that the systems they use have been objectively and independently verified as trusted solutions.” She goes on to say, “That is why the Voting Working Group is proposing standards for blockchain-based voting systems.”

The group is seeking comments from experts including local elections officials, election equipment vendors, election administrators, regulators, and observers. Comments are also solicited from policymakers, academics, technologists, and enthusiasts in the fields of blockchain and governance to provide their expertise and insights in an open call for comments on the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) Voting Systems Supplement.

As technology continues to revolutionize various sectors, the potential of blockchain in transforming the democratic process is undeniable. With its inherent attributes of transparency, immutability, and decentralization, blockchain has the capacity to enhance the integrity and trustworthiness of elections and voting systems worldwide.

The UN IGF Blockchain Assurance and Standardization Dynamic Coalition has been diligently working on a comprehensive Blockchain Standard tailored specifically for elections. The standard covers crucial areas including:

• Identity verification and authentication of voters
• Ballot casting, tracking, and tallying procedures.
• Ensuring voter privacy and anonymity
• Security measures against cyber threats and attacks
• Transparency and auditability of the entire process

To download the standards and provide comments please visit the Voting System Supplement Request for Comments page.

About the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform for discussing public policy issues related to Internet governance. It brings together diverse stakeholders, informs policymakers, shares best practices, and addresses emerging challenges without producing negotiated outcomes. The IGF’s mandate includes facilitating discourse between international bodies, advising on Internet accessibility in developing countries, and addressing issues like critical Internet resources and misuse.

About the Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic Coalition

The Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Coalition is an open, multistakeholder group hosted by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA). It focuses on defining specific areas of blockchain technology, conducting meetings, proposing standardization goals, piloting projects, and publishing results to promote high-quality, interoperable blockchain systems.

Contact:

Gerard Dache
Executive Director
Government Blockchain Association
gerard.dache@GBAglobal.org

Website: https://bit.ly/3qMMoOX

TapestryX (https://tapestryx.com), a layer one blockchain solution, has achieved the venerated distinction of being rated as a Trusted Blockchain Solution for the Banking, Financial Services, and other industries. The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) conducted the evaluation using the highly regarded Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) and the Banking & Financial Services Supplement.

The comprehensive assessment involved a team of esteemed industry experts, including government Chief Information Officers, technology specialists, legal and regulatory professionals, and banking experts. Over several days, the team meticulously analyzed 11 elements of the BMM and 22 additional requirements of the banking and finance supplement to assess TapestryX’s suitability for the demanding needs of the banking and financial services sector.

During the rigorous BMM assessment, TapestryX demonstrated its suitability for the banking and financial services industry by successfully validating, settling, and reconciling high-volume transactions in real-time. Moreover, the solution integrates accounting functionality into its layer one blockchain that can be configured to comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Gerard Dache, Executive Director of the Government Blockchain Association, said, “Of all the blockchain solutions we evaluated, TapestryX is the only layer one solution that meets the high-frequency transaction demands, requirements for future-dated transactions, and all the accounting requirements of the banking and financial services industry.”

The official recognition of TapestryX as a Trusted Blockchain Solution will take place at the prestigious Blockchain & Infrastructure Conference in Washington, DC, on September 28-29, 2023.

About TapestryX

TapestryX is a layer one blockchain solution that provides secure and efficient transaction validation, settlement, and reconciliation for the banking, financial services, and other industries. With its innovative approach and ability to integrate accounting principles, TapestryX offers a trusted blockchain solution that meets the demanding requirements of high-frequency transactions.

For more information about TapestryX, please visit their official website at https://tapestryx.com or reach out to Paul F. Dowding, Head of Design at L4S Corp., the company behind TapestryX, through his LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfdowding.

About Government Blockchain Association (GBA):

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is an international non-profit association focused on using blockchain technology to solve problems for government and public sector entities. GBA provides standards, education, and networking opportunities to facilitate understanding and implementation of blockchain solutions across various industries.

To learn more about the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) and the assessment process for blockchain solutions, visit https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-maturity-model or send an email to BMM@GBAglobal.org.

Media Contact:
Steve Henley, BMM Program Manager
Email: steve.henley@gbaglobal.org

Source: Plato Data Intelligence3: https://platodata.io

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) honored exceptional individuals and organizations for their groundbreaking use of blockchain technology in solving public sector challenges. The Annual Achievement Awards, presented on May 24, 2023, in Washington, DC, celebrated this year’s outstanding winners.

– Rosemarie McClean, Chief Executive Officer, and Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, Chief Information Officer received the award on behalf of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), the Organization Award for a digital identity solution that enabled over 23,000 retirees across 180 countries, to provide their proof of life, using blockchain and biometrics technologies. Their innovative solution helped streamlining the pension administration process, reduce errors, and improve the overall client experience.

– Pradeep Goel, CEO of Solve.Care, a blockchain healthcare company, was awarded the Courage Award for his dedication to assisting war-ravaged refugees in the Ukraine conflict. Despite personal risks and costs, his “Care Shelter” project provided accommodation and meals for over 2,500 Ukrainians displaced during the war.

– Jon Trask, CEO and Founder of Dimitra Technology received the Social Impact Award for Dimitra’s transformative work in global farming. Their Blockchain/AI solution fights hunger, reduces deforestation, and enhances crop yields. Dimitra’s applications serve 16 countries and provide vital support to farmers in climate-ravaged areas.

– Mike Kanovitz, CEO of Jurat Blockchain earned the Innovation Award for integrating blockchain with legal court processes, empowering creators with smart contract tools, facilitating NFT swaps, and adding security against fraud.

– Sary Qasim, the GBA Regional Leader in the Middle East and North Africa, received the Leadership Award for his exceptional efforts in the Middle East/North Africa region, driving the adoption of the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) and establishing strategic relationships.

These winners join a prestigious list of former recipients, including:
– El Salvador President Najib Bukele for adopting Bitcoin as legal tender
– US Congressional Senior Staff Bill Rockwood for legislative leadership, and
– Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers for pioneering blockchain-based voting systems.

The GBA’s next award ceremony will be held in September 2023 during the Blockchain & Infrastructure conference (https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-infrastructure/). The event will recognize blockchain solutions evaluated using the GBA’s Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) (https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-maturity-model/) and earning the “Trusted Blockchain Solution” credential.

About GBA

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a global organization promoting blockchain solutions to transform governments and empower citizens. It drives innovation, education, and adoption of blockchain technology in the public sector.

For more information about the upcoming Blockchain Solution Awards, please contact BMM@GBAglobal.org.

For more information about the Blockchain & Infrastructure conference, please contact events@GBAglobal.org.

AXES.ai’s (https://axes.ai/) land-based casino management platform became the first blockchain solution in history to be independently evaluated and rated by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) in accordance with the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) (https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-maturity-model/).

“Why would a casino management system need blockchain? Because according to the US Financial Action Task Force (FATF), casinos are high-risk areas for money laundering and terrorist financing,” said Gerard Dache, GBA Executive Director. “Regulators world-wide need to have confidence that financial and compliance reports have not been falsified or altered. By writing data to a blockchain, regulators have confidence that the reports have not been altered.”

“That is why AXES.ai created a cloud platform and solution for their customers. But it was not enough to just tell their customers that they were using blockchain. Unfortunately, there are many false claims about blockchain solutions. AXES.ai submitted their solution to the GBA to have it formally rated. After an extensive evaluation by a world-class team of experts, using GBA’s globally accepted model, it was approved,” concluded Mr. Dache

The GBA assessment framework, called the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM), examines a blockchain solution from eleven separate perspectives that are required for a blockchain solution to be trusted. The BMM is a technology-agnostic model utilizing an assessment methodology, training assets, and a suite of tools to improve solutions, ensuring that those solutions can be trusted. It provides confidence to investors, customers, and acquisition officials that the assessed blockchain solutions are unimpeachable.

Organizations become Trusted Blockchain Solutions thru the BMM.

For more information visit https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-maturity-model or attend GBA’s Future of Money Governance of Law conference on May 24-25 in Washington DC. Details are at https://gbaglobal.org/FOMGL

About the Government Blockchain Association (GBA)

The GBA is a global, non-profit business community with public-sector members in over 500 government offices worldwide (https://gbaglobal.org/about/about-gov-members/), and private-sector professionals in over 50 working groups (https://gbaglobal.org/working-groups/). Public/private sector members work together to use blockchain and related technologies to solve public sector challenges. For more information about the GBA visit www.GBAglobal.org.

Press Contact:
Bob Miko
bmiko@pacificdialogue.com

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is excited to announce that Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio (https://gbaglobal.org/members/dcdell/) will be leading the GBA Identity Management Working Group (bit.ly/3ZKXC3m). He currently serves as the Chief Information Officer of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and leads the UN Digital Transformation Group. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. In 2021, he was presented with the UN Secretary-General Award for his work in applying blockchain technology to the Digital Certificates of Entitlement process of UNJSPF retirees and beneficiaries.

“Digital Identity will play a critical role as a fundamental human right,” said Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, echoing the sentiment prevalent at the recent annual Internet Global Forums.

The GBA Identity Management Working Group is one of 50 working groups (https://gbaglobal.org/workinggroups/) sponsored by the GBA, whose mission is to develop education content and standards to support the use of blockchain technology for identity management purposes. The GBA working groups serve as forums for civil servants to share their requirements, while private sector members can share their solutions and ideas. This collaboration helps civil servants meet their mission. The goal of the working groups is to help the public and private sector connect, communicate, and collaborate using blockchain technology to solve public sector problems.

The GBA is a not-for-profit, professional membership organization with members in over 500 government offices (https://gbaglobal.org/about/about-gov-members/) at the local, state, national and international levels. Public and private sector individuals and organizations are invited to join. The GBA hosts online meetings every week and major conferences in places like the United States Capitol and the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Other benefits include online training, standards development, and access to high-level conversations with ambassadors, legislators, administrators, and industry leaders.

Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio (https://gbaglobal.org/members/dcdell/) will also be a featured speaker at the Future of Money, Governance, and the Law (https://gbaglobal.org/fomgl/) conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on May 23-24, 2023.

For more information about the GBA, please visit https://gbaglobal.org.

Contact:
Gerard Dache
Executive Director
Government Blockchain Association
gerard.dache@GBAglobal.org