The Universal Postal Union (UPU), the UN specialized agency responsible for leading the development, regulation, interoperability and sustainability of the international postal network, started its 4th Extraordinary Congress in Riyadh today under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The congress, which lasts till October 5 and is the most authoritative meeting of the UPU’s 192 member countries, will decide on several key proposals intended to ensure a sustainable future for international postal services.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said: “The hosting of the fourth extraordinary conference by Saudi Arabia signifies our commitment to strengthening collaboration among member states, developing postal services, promoting e-commerce, stimulating the digital economy, and incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their postal and logistical operations.”
“The National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, initiated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has enhanced efficiency, performance metrics, and business expansion across all sectors. These commendable advancements serve as a testament to the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of those who spearheaded this drive to transform the transport and logistics industry,” the minister said.
UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the congress, and said: “I believe that the proposals before the Extraordinary Congress this week address the views of the majority of union member countries. It is my sincere hope that, in the spirit of UPU’s traditional value of cooperation, we can all find common ground to approve these proposals here in Riyadh.”
One of the main topics discussed at the meeting is the manner in which the organization might boost its cooperation with wider postal sector players (WPSPs), which consist of private companies and partner organizations outside the UPU’s network of government-designated postal operators, and how to better include them in the UPU context to ensure a universal, efficient service through the UPU network.
Member countries will also review the organization’s approach to the development of postal financial services, how to overcome challenges associated with rapid market changes and work to expand the post role in fostering global financial inclusion for more than a billion people who remain unbanked.
The extraordinary congress will build upon a 2021 UPU Congress resolution focused on climate action. Member countries will review proposals for voluntary emission reduction targets and climate action pledges, capacity-building initiatives and opportunities to collaborate with WPSPs on climate initiatives.
Ministers, heads of postal regulators and postal CEOs will take the opportunity to discuss UPU’s strategy for 2026-2029 as well.
Source: Saudi Press Agency