Remarks of the UPU Director General at the Opening Press Conference of the 28th Universal Postal Congress

8 September, 12:30 p.m. GST, Bureau of Congress/Press Room, Zaabeel Halls

Good afternoon everyone.

It is an honour to speak with you at the opening of our 28th Universal Postal Congress.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for generously hosting this important gathering of postal decision-makers. The entire UAE team, under the leadership of Mr Al Wahedi, has shown remarkable dedication in ensuring the success of this event.

This Congress comes at a pivotal moment for the global postal sector.

The postal network - spanning nearly 680,000 post offices and more than 4.6 million employees, serving billions of people - is a powerful engine of inclusion. Its strength lies in its universality and in the shared commitment of its members.

This is why the UPU plays such a vital role. As the primary forum for dialogue, cooperation, and negotiation on international postal matters, and with the Congress as its highest decision-making body, the UPU provides the framework for unified action.

The challenges before us are real. Maintaining universal service is becoming more costly, particularly as international letter volumes continue to decline. Many postal operators are still navigating how best to adapt to regulatory changes, digital innovation, new delivery models, and the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

At the same time, these pressures create opportunities. The rapid growth of e-commerce and our network's global reach provide a solid basis for postal services to evolve, modernize, and reclaim a central role in connecting people and businesses worldwide.

This Congress is our opportunity to ensure every link in our network is strong.

Over the coming weeks, we will consider a new strategy for 2026-2029. It reimagines the future of the postal sector and presents a new vision for the UPU: a society that is interconnected, inclusive, and sustainable, empowered by a seamless and innovative postal network.

The strategy focuses on strengthening the fundamentals of postal services, positioning the Post as a trusted partner in e-commerce, and rebuilding volumes across the network. In doing so, it will reinforce postal operators' ability to deliver according to modern expectations.

Supporting this strategy is a business plan that lays out a practical roadmap for the next four years. Together, member countries will review more than 145 proposals designed to modernize the postal network in line with customer expectations.

These proposals aim to enhance our portfolio of postal products, improve remuneration systems, and strengthen quality of service. They also emphasize inclusivity and resilience through measures such as expanding postal financial services, and advancing the role of the Post in the green energy transition. They also look towards deepening our regional presence to ensure no country is left behind as the network advances.

Later today, ministers, regulators, and chief executives from across the postal sector will set the tone for these discussions at the UPU Global Leaders Summit. I warmly invite you to join us for these important exchanges.

Thank you for your kind attention.