The UN headquarters in Geneva will play host to the World Investment Forum 2018 on 24th October, which will draw together heads of states along with ministers, the chief executives of multi-national organisations, market regulators,academia and international media.

The Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS), based at the university's Ambleside campus, has gathered experts to discuss the underlying technology that powers cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins known as blockchain.

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 JemBendell, 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 a track record in researching this area. In 2014 the university allowed students on certain courses to pay their fees using the currency.

Next year a 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 said.