Blockchain

University helps shape future of world investment at UN conference in Geneva

A small, but formidable, university in the Lake District is playing a role in shaping the future of world investment.

Academics from the University of Cumbria’s Institute for Leadership and Sustainability at the Ambleside campus are participating at the World Investment Forum at the United Nations’ headquarters in Geneva next month.

The institute has gathered experts to discuss the underlying blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoins.

Speakers include the founder and CEO of Binance, the largest cryptographic currency exchange in the world – Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Louis de Bruin of Blockchain Leader Europe at IBM, Galia Benartzi, Co-Founder of Bancor and Ariana Fowler from Consensys Social Impact.

“This high-level gathering will offer a different level of discussion and networking than found on the crowded blockchain conference circuit,” Professor Jem Bendell, Professor of Sustainability Leadership, Institute For Leadership And Sustainability(IFLAS), said.

“With many claims made for and against this technology, alongside many Initial Coin Offerings, it is understandable that regulators, investors and other stakeholders find it difficult to assess its potential.

“At this UN event, we aim to explore that potential by keeping public benefit at the centre of our discussions.”

Cumbria has an unlikely, yet strong, track record in researching this area. In 2014, the university allowed students on certain courses to pay their fees using the currency.

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Next year, a short course on the subject will be held at the University of Cumbria’s London campus led by Professor Bendell.

The four-day course is called Crypto, Blockchain and Society.

“This will enable participants to hear from leaders in this sector on the sustainability implications of crypto currencies and will help us remain on the cutting edge for our students,” Professor Bendell added.

For more information on the course in April 2019 see https://store.cumbria.ac.uk/product-catalogue/general/short-courses/crypto-blockchain-and-society-exploring-sustainable-exchange

Helen Bennicke

Helen Bennicke is a multi-award winning journalist who cut her teeth in journalism at the age of 18 straight out of school. She went on to work for regional newspapers including the Coventry Evening Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo before joining the News of the World as a feature writer, covering stories about domestic violence and miscarriages of justice as well as the usual celebrity fare. She finds crypto currency fascinating and bewildering in equal measure.