Hacking for Trust

Hacking for Trust

With the continuous advancements in blockchain technology and increasing interest from the global development and humanitarian sectors, it is clear that Web3 Technology has the potential to support the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transform our approach to creating social impact.

Despite the growing number of blockchain initiatives being developed to achieve this goal accurately measuring their results and outcomes has proven to be a significant challenge. Thus far, the focus has primarily been on developing solutions, rather than rigorously evaluating their effectiveness. The lack of global standards for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) of impact-driven blockchain projects is a significant barrier, impeding the widespread adoption of these tools by international NGOs and other large organizations. This absence of proper assessment and accountability undermines the potential of blockchain technology to have a genuine and lasting impact, while also damaging the credibility of numerous initiatives created to solve societal problems.

To begin addressing this pressing issue, we propose a hybrid hackathon that brings together students from Georgetown University and builders from Kenya, Nigeria, and Brazil. With their strong coding expertise and a deep understanding of local problems, these teams will possess the necessary skills to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues. Additionally, they will be guided by experts from international NGOs, helping to foster a robust network of individuals committed to solving international development problems.

By prioritizing this subject, the hackathon will serve the following purposes:

• Raise awareness on the importance of properly measuring impact, highlighting the need for global standards for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) of impact-driven blockchain projects.
• Equip start-ups with impact measurement tools to provide them with compelling arguments when seeking funding and communicating their impact.
• Attract talented individuals towards the "blockchain for good" industry community, emphasizing the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on societal challenges.
• Provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to tackle real-world challenges, including university students, international organizations, NGOs, academics, and others.

Goals

1. Demonstrate how Web3 technology can support the achievement of United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and create social impact

2. Enable the measurement of the  results and outcomes of social impact projects

3. Develop solutions that can be rigorously evaluated through their effectiveness

4. Provide proper assessment and accountability tools that enable the potential of blockchain technology to have a genuine and lasting impact

Audience

• Students and professors from Georgetown University with technical expertise in blockchain technology.

• Builders from Kenya, Nigeria, and Brazil, where impact work is particularly active, who bring unique perspectives on the challenges facing their communities.

• Startups and entrepreneurs who are interested in using blockchain technology for social impact and are looking to improve their MEAL methodologies.

• Representatives from national and international NGOs and other organizations interested in the potential of blockchain technology to support the SDGs.