The Universal ID Council (UIDC) is a group of human rights activists, identity experts, and technology innovators with decades of experience around critical issues tied to identification rights and responsibilities. The Council was created to address persistent challenge across the world: nearly one billion people lack access to proof of their identity, Without a trusted, verifiable, and decentralized system to maintain a sovereign proof of identity for every person around the globe, unfathomable numbers of people will continue to be vulnerable to abuse, and unable to meaningfully participate in the global economic system.
Learn more about the Global ID Crisis »
The CEO of the Council, Dr. Mariana Dahan, brings her experience from The World Bank’s ID4D program she has founded in 2014, and the previous organization she has established in 2018, the World Identity Network Foundation (WIN Foundation), where she partnered with United Nations agencies, governments, NGOs, and the private sector to develop solutions to provide a resilient proof of identity for every human being on the planet. The Council builds on this extensive experience that includes high-tech pilot programs with national governments, fact-finding missions with the United Nations, and on-the-ground work with refugees and migrant populations.
Today, UIDC is supporting the release of a new documentary movie about the world’s invisible populations, “Shadows in the Dark: Our Global Identity Crisis”, to share the stories of those impacted by lack of ID and what thew world’s superpowers envision for possible solutions.
UIDC is shining a light on one of the most overlooked human rights in the world – access to proof of one’s identity – and is articulating the need for a global, decentralized universal ID program that securely provides and augments the value of this proof.
The Universal Identification Council (UIDC) was established in response to the ever-expanding global identity crisis. Its existence is not just necessary; it’s imperative for several compelling reasons:
- Promoting Inclusivity and Fair Access: Nearly a billion people around the world lack official identification, rendering them invisible to societal systems and vulnerable to exploitation and disenfranchisement. UIDC champions the principle of Fair Access in identity systems and financial services. This means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, race, geography, or socioeconomic status, have equal access to identity verification and can access financial solutions. This inclusivity stance is also fundamental in a world where identity is often the key to accessing education, healthcare, employment, and participation in the digital economy.
- Advancing Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI): UIDC advocates for SSI, empowering individuals with control over their own identity data. This approach respects privacy and autonomy, allowing people to manage and share their identity information on their terms. It represents a paradigm shift in how personal data is handled, prioritizing individual rights and security.
- Building a Resilient Identity Ecosystem: UIDC plays a critical role in developing a resilient and secure identity ecosystem. In today’s digital world, the security of identity data is paramount. UIDC’s work in promoting and implementing robust, secure identity and financial solutions is essential to protect individuals from identity theft and fraud.
- Fostering Global Collaboration: UIDC serves as a platform for collaboration among governments, private sector, and non-profit organizations. This global coalition is crucial for creating standardized, interoperable identity solutions that work across borders. Such collaboration is key to tackling the identity crisis on a global scale.
- Supporting International Goals and Rights: UIDC’s work aligns with international goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16.9 which aims to provide legal identity for all, including birth registration, by 2030. By striving towards this goal, UIDC is contributing to a global effort to uphold basic human rights.
The creation of UIDC is not just a response to a global challenge; it is a forward-looking initiative essential for building a more inclusive, secure, and equitable world. UIDC stands at the forefront of ensuring that every individual’s right to an identity is not just acknowledged, but actively upheld.