Blockchain for Good Alliance and Bybit Join the Mauritius Internet Governance Forum to Advance Digital Trust for Small Island States

DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA),  the global non-profit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to leveraging blockchain for societal impact, took part in the Mauritius Internet Governance Forum, founded by the Halley Movement, contributing perspectives on how blockchain and emerging technologies can support an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy digital future for small island developing states (SIDS).

The Mauritius Internet Governance Forum, recognised by the United Nations IGF Secretariat as a national IGF, convenes government, industry, academia, civil society, and youth in multistakeholder dialogue on the future of internet governance. This year's engagement centred on the themes of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital trust.

Representing BGA, Director of Global Affairs Glenn Tan delivered a keynote on harnessing artificial intelligence and blockchain for sustainable development in Mauritius, examining how these technologies can serve as trust infrastructure for the digital economy and enhance the governance and security frameworks that underpin public confidence in technology. The BGA delegation was joined by Mykolas Majauskas, Global Head of Policy at Bybit, who spoke on how strategic partnerships can mobilise commitment to Mauritius's digital future.

Engaging with Mauritius' Government Leadership

During the Forum, BGA and Bybit had the honour of meeting His Excellency Mr Jean Yvan Robert Hungley, G.O.S.K, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius; the Honourable Dr Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation; and the Honourable Raj Pentiah, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, to exchange views on Mauritius's digital ambitions and the role emerging technology can play in advancing them.

"Sound policy and responsible innovation must advance together," said Mykolas Majauskas, Global Head of Policy at Bybit. "Forums like this one are where that alignment begins, bringing regulators, industry, and civil society into the same conversation. We are proud to support Mauritius and the wider region as they build the frameworks for a secure and inclusive digital economy and look forward to the value that Bybit will bring to the country."

"For small island states, questions of digital identity, inclusion, and cybersecurity are not abstract; they are foundational to sustainable development," said Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs at the Blockchain for Good Alliance. "Mauritius has long understood that being small is not the same as being peripheral. The right technology, governed well, can allow a small nation to rise as a global leader of emerging technologies."

"The Mauritius Internet Governance Forum has always been about bringing every stakeholder to the table as equals, from government, industry, academia, civil society, and our youth," said Mahendranath Busgopaul, Secretary-General of the Halley Movement and Founder of the Mauritius Internet Governance Forum. "This year, we are delighted to welcome partners such as the Blockchain for Good Alliance and Bybit into this dialogue. For Mauritius, an inclusive and trustworthy digital future is essential, and it is built through exactly these types of collaborations."

BGA's participation in the Mauritius Internet Governance Forum reflects its commitment to engaging with the SIDS community and supporting a digital future built on inclusion, security, and trust.

#Bybit / #BGA

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a global nonprofit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to advancing blockchain as a tool to address real-world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain industry, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration and action toward a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information:
Email: hello@chainforgood.org
Website: www.chainforgood.org 
Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainforgoodalliance/

About Halley Movement & Mauritius IGF

Halley Movement is a coalition of charitable organisations working for the welfare of children and family in Mauritius and in the southern African region. Founder of the Mauritius IGF, a UN-recognised initiative that fosters policy dialogue among stakeholders on issues of Internet governance. It offers a unique space for an amazing range of people to share information and develop solutions on key Internet issues.

For more information:
Website: www.halleymovement.org/ | mauritius.intgovforum.org/

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Blockchain for Good Alliance and Bybit Join the Mauritius Internet Governance Forum to Advance Digital Trust for Small Island States

Marking its fourth edition, this year's forum brings together global thought leaders and industry trailblazers shaping the next phase of innovation across financial services  

MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fintech Forward, the region's flagship financial services forum, is set to take place in Bahrain on 7-8 October 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and programmed by Forbes Middle East, Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26) is set to convene global thought leaders, leading financial innovators, and policymakers, to examine the most pressing ecosystem challenges that lie ahead, as well as the high-potential investment opportunities that are powering the financial services industry's next phase of growth in Bahrain, the broader region and beyond.

Supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and Bahrain FinTech Bay, this year's edition is held under the theme "Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure", building on its reputation as a space for groundbreaking collaboration, visionary thought leadership, and industry advancement.

"Now in its fourth year, Fintech Forward has emerged as a leading industry gathering, underscoring both the dynamism of Bahrain's financial services ecosystem and the robust backing of industry stakeholders collectively committed to advancing its future. Bringing together a broad network of leading financial institutions and ecosystem partners, the event convenes thought leaders and chief executives from across Bahrain, the region, and international markets. The curated programme of keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and strategic networking opportunities provides a space for knowledge exchange and building partnerships at a time of profound transformation across the global financial landscape," said Mohammed AlAlawi, Chief of Marketing and Communications at Bahrain EDB, adding, "With financial services contributing over 17% to Bahrain's GDP, FF26 serves as a powerful platform to showcase the sector's continued progress, resilience, and pivotal role in driving the next wave of innovation and economic growth."

Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, the financial services sector continues to demonstrate resilience and agility in adapting to shifting market conditions. In Bahrain, this is reflected in a proactive regulatory environment and strong public-private collaboration, supporting stability while enabling innovation and growth. As the fintech sector continues to evolve, the 2026 edition will focus on practical pathways for growth, including closer integration across financial systems, regulation, and infrastructure, while highlighting opportunities for collaboration and scalable innovation.

The forum provides a dynamic platform for participants to gain insight from discussions on the latest industry developments. For more information or to register interest in attending FF26, please visit the website.

About Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB)     

Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

Bahrain EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain's investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.

Bahrain EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain's competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, and tourism. For more information on the Bahrain EDB, visit www.bahrainedb.com.

About Fintech Forward

Fintech Forward is Bahrain's flagship financial services forum, first hosted in 2023 and now in its fourth edition, convening global investors, policymakers, financial institutions, and technology leaders to explore the next phase of financial innovation. Hosted by the Bahrain EDB and supported by key ecosystem partners, the platform brings together international and regional stakeholders to exchange insights, build partnerships, and unlock investment opportunities that are shaping the future of financial services, while connecting global perspectives with regional opportunities.

For more information, visit www.fintechforward.bh.

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Bahrain Gears Up to Host Fintech Forward 2026 this October