In a significant step towards modernizing the proof of life verification process, the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to deploy electronic kiosks in UNDP country offices. The initiative supports the Digital Certificate of Entitlement (DCE) application, a secure, biometric-based digital solution that enables retirees and beneficiaries to submit their annual proof of life electronically.

For the initial launch, DCE kiosks have been deployed in 18 UNDP country offices: Afghanistan, Burundi, Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen (Aden), Yemen (Sana’a). The Fund remains committed to expanding kiosk availability to additional locations in the near future.

The proof of life process

Each year, the Fund must confirm the continued eligibility of its retirees and beneficiaries to the benefits they receive. Traditionally, this has been done through a paper-based form that they must sign and mail to the Fund, called the Certificate of Entitlement (CE). The DCE application uses biometric verification and blockchain technology to confirm identity and location, ensuring data integrity through an immutable digital ledger.

This digital transformation not only streamlines the verification process but also reduces the risk of benefit suspensions due to delays or errors in paper submissions. It is especially beneficial for retirees relying on After-Service Health Insurance (ASHI), as it minimizes the risk of temporary coverage loss.

Areas of cooperation

Under this partnership, the Fund will supply and maintain kiosk tablets in selected UNDP country offices. These kiosks will serve as access points for retirees and beneficiaries to enroll in and use the DCE application. UNDP will provide secure, accessible locations for the kiosks and assist users by directing them to the UNJSPF DCE Support Team for technical help.

The initiative aligns with UNDP’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being. By ensuring uninterrupted access to pension and health benefits, the program supports the well-being of former UN staff and demonstrates a strong commitment to the duty of care policy.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and the well-being of UN retirees and beneficiaries worldwide.