Why Identification is Foundational for Political, Economic and Social Opportunity

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as Global Goals, are a universal call to action for the purpose of ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The United Nation (UN) has put forth an agenda of sustainable development goals to reach by 2030 known as Project 2030.

Why is identity so critical for sustainable development? First and foremost, article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates, “Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law” This is why target 16.9 of project 2030, is to provide a legal identity for all including birth registration. Having an identity is the foundation for political, economic and social opportunity.

To access basic services such as healthcare, education, voting and other social assistance programs individuals are required to provide identification. Identification is also critical for accountability and governance. Without an accurate identification system, it is extremely difficult to provide social services. Without knowing who or how many beneficiaries there are, the risk of corruption is high and precise targeting is impossible. Identities are also the gateway to economic opportunity.

According to the Global Findex Database created by the World Bank, more than 2.5 billion people do not have a bank account. Access to mobile banking accounts and other financial tools can drive financial inclusion, but connecting people with digitally-based financial tools require accessible, secure and verifiable identification.

A proper identification system also enables social opportunity. With an official identity, women are empowered to play a greater role in household decisions and maintain financial independence. Additionally, identification can also be an important defense against child marriages, child abuse, and human trafficking. Those who don’t have an identity are the ones most vulnerable because they are invisible to society.

The answer to providing political, economic and social opportunity is the creation of a new digitally based blockchain identity. The blockchain is a living ledger where everything is recorded and immutable. This will allow organizations and governments to distribute aid and measure its impact accurately. The Secure Identity Ledger Corporation (SILC) offers the solution, an accessible, secure and verifiable digital identity on a custom-built blockchain platform.

Visit us at https://secureidentityledger.com/

 

This is a guest post by Danny H. Lee, Co-founder of Secure Identity Ledger Corporation.