Funding the Commons

How can we channel social diversity into meaningful action? 🌐💡 E. Glen Weyl, founder of the Plurality Institute and RadicalxChange Foundation, and research lead at Microsoft Research’s Plural Technology Collaboratory, shares how "plurality" transforms the energy of social diversity into actionable solutions. By designing systems that respect and leverage differences, plurality fosters collaboration without erasing individuality, enabling innovative approaches to tackling real-world challenges. Recorded at our Tokyo conference, Glen discusses bridging Web3 innovation with traditional institutions, the importance of connecting public and private sectors, and why Japan provides a unique setting for these efforts. His ideas offer practical approaches to collaborative technologies that foster positive, tangible change. 👇

🌟 Public Goods Community Day by FtC is coming to Bengaluru on December 5! We’re thrilled to see our incredible community in India organizing this event, bringing together changemakers to explore how Web3 is driving real-world impact. Expect lightning talks, breakout chats, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate. A huge thank-you to everyone making this happen. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌱 📍 Atlantis Sanctuary 📅 December 5, 2:00–6:30 PM 🎟️ Register here: https://lu.ma/3eir0b44

It takes a collective imagination to shape the systems that sustain the commons and our shared future. 🌐 In November 2024, we engaged over 1,000 builders, funders, and researchers in Thailand to tackle real-world solutions for the commons. Focusing on urgent challenges—displacement, climate resilience, governance, and privacy—we worked together to strengthen systems that benefit everyone. The issues we explored are global in scope, but the solutions are built through collective effort, drawing on the wisdom and innovation of communities across Southeast Asia and beyond. Together, we are shaping systems that not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive future. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey. We can’t wait to continue this work in 2025. 🙏

"Our work, if we do it right, in the next 2–5 years can shift the future of the world economy. And the crypto community is the perfect testing ground for us to do that." 🌐 These words from Juan Benet, Founder of Protocol Labs, at #FtCBangkok, capture the transformative potential of public goods funding and resource allocation mechanisms in shaping a more equitable digital world. We’re deeply thankful to Protocol Labs for their steadfast support and leadership, which continue to play a critical role in driving this important work. 🌱

How can technology enable a more adaptive and harmonious society? 🌐🔧 Ken Suzuki, co-founder and Executive Chair of SmartNews, Inc., and author of The Smooth Society and Its Enemies, introduces his vision for a "Smooth Society." This concept envisions technology as a tool for reducing friction in social systems, enabling fluid collaboration, and fostering inclusivity. Recorded at our Tokyo conference, Ken reflects on the growing challenges of societal polarization and fragmentation, and how blockchain, AI, and other innovations can help build systems that prioritize adaptability and cohesion. His ideas highlight the critical role of global collaboration in shaping a future where diversity and harmony thrive. Watch the full conversation below.

A key partner in our Thailand events, Holonym Foundation brought a focus on decentralized identity and privacy as a human right. 🔒 With talks and workshops led by Nanak Nihal Khalsa and Shady El Damaty, we explored transformative ideas like Human Keys and their potential to reshape decentralized identity. We’re thankful to the entire Holonym team for their energy, collaboration, and the impact they brought to our Residency, Hackathon, and Bangkok Conference. 🙌

The Stellar Development Foundation team brought powerful insights on financial inclusion to our Residency, Hackathon, and #FtCBangkok. 🌏 We had fantastic sessions led by Anke Liu, Chris Anatalio, and Anna Whitson-Diaz, highlighting the real-world impact Stellar is achieving. Their focus on easy solutions for financial transactions—including offramps through platforms like MoneyGram International—resonated with our community. We’re grateful for their support and the valuable contributions they brought to our events. Thank you for being part of this journey! 🙌

Ethereum is building a decentralized, open-source ecosystem for the future. 💫 Aya Miyaguchi, Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, explores Ethereum as an "infinite garden"—a collaborative, decentralized space nurtured by contributors across governments, citizens, and technologists. Together, they’re shaping the Ethereum Commons to ensure the resilience of digital public goods. This conversation, recorded in July at our Tokyo conference, feels even more timely after Devcon 7, where the Ethereum community showcased the power of collaboration and innovation. 🌱 Aya’s insights into collective stewardship and decentralized governance resonate deeply with us as we look at Ethereum’s future.

From fireside chats with Illia Polosukhin to workshops and great mentorship by Jarrod Barnes, NEAR Foundation brought incredible energy to our Thailand events. 🙌🛠️ During the Residency, Hackathon, and #FtCBangkok, we loved seeing their focus on practical tools, user-owned AI, and building meaningful connections with developers. Their support made a real impact on the public goods community and the work we’re all driving forward. Huge thanks to them, as well as the entire NEAR Protocol ecosystem for being a key part of our journey.

Reflecting on an amazing week at Devcon in Bangkok! 🌟 From exploring privacy as a public good to showcasing real-world Web3 use cases, we had a fantastic time sharing ideas and connecting with both the local and global community. Here's a look at what Funding the Commons brought to the table... 👇 🌏 "Blockchain’s Unique Potential: Transforming Lives & the Humanitarian Sector" - Our Director, David Casey, shared how blockchain supported local collaboration through public goods funding in Uganda and tested crypto-fiat systems to improve aid delivery for Burmese refugees in Thailand. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e8KsAQ8f 🎨 "Memecraft: Effectively Communicating Crypto Concepts" – FtC’s Beth McCarthy, joined by Joshua Dávila, explored how memes have shaped crypto narratives like "regen" and "QF" while highlighting their potential for education and risks of misinformation. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/ey4xnTiM 🌱 "Maintaining Ethereum’s Unique Culture" – FtC’s Kim Buisson joined Aya Miyaguchi (Ethereum Foundation), Simona Pop, and Songyi Lee (from our valued partners, Pagoda) to discuss how Ethereum’s community can balance growth with staying true to its values and ethos. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eiidYmFn 💉 "Blockchain in Vaccine Distribution" – David Casey, Arun M., and Mansi discussed blockchain’s role in improving transparency, traceability, and efficiency in vaccine supply chains across Bangladesh and Costa Rica. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eUZjvb7C We loved being part of Devcon in Bangkok! Huge thanks to everyone who joined us. Looking forward to seeing you at future events. 💫