#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Universal Postal Union #Dubai Congress #Postal Strategies

28th Universal Postal Congress: Key Outcomes

On September 8, 2023, the 28th Universal Postal Congress commenced in Dubai, UAE, gathering representatives from various member states of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to deliberate on critical issues affecting the global postal network. The event extended over two weeks, concluding on September 19, and attracted around 1,800 participants from 174 nations.

Venue and Attendance

The congress was held in the bustling city of Dubai, with 192 member countries invited to participate. Notable attendees included officials from the UN and its specialized agencies, alongside observers from regional postal unions. Japan sent a delegation led by Vice Minister Adachi, including representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Japan Post.

Key Elections

A significant highlight of the congress was the election of the UPU international Bureau Director. Masahiko Moteki was unanimously re-elected for another term, showcasing the confidence of member states in his leadership. Alongside this, elections were conducted for positions in the Administrative Council and the Postal Operations Council, with Japan successfully securing a seat on both councils.

Major Resolutions Adopted

1. UPU Strategy 2026-2029: This resolution emphasized the need for rule-making, technological innovation, and regional cooperation to enhance the global postal network.
2. UPU Development Cooperation Policy 2026-2029: The congress adopted this policy, aimed at strengthening community-oriented support and disaster response initiatives.
3. Financial Matters: The session approved the annual expense cap for UPU operations, set at approximately 39,512,270 Swiss Francs (around 6.8 billion yen).
4. Review of International Postal Services: Amendments were made to the Universal Postal Convention to adapt international postal services to evolving market demands.

Additional Highlights

• - High-Level Statement: Vice Minister Adachi underscored Japan's commitment to enhancing its presence by pledging support for cooperative projects through voluntary contributions, known as the Japan Fund.
• - Quality of Postal Services Award: Notably, Japan's postal services were recognized as the highest quality worldwide. During the awards ceremony, Vice Minister Adachi and President Koike of Japan Post received the prestigious award on behalf of the nation, marking a significant achievement in the international postal sector.

Conclusion

The 28th Universal Postal Congress was a landmark event, shaping the future direction of global postal services. With significant policies and initiatives established, member countries are poised to collaborate and innovate in addressing challenges and enhancing postal operations worldwide. This congress not only fostered international dialogue but also reinforced the importance of collective efforts to advance postal services, ensuring they meet the needs of communities and economies around the globe.