Posts, Planet and Economies: A circular route to postal sustainability

Voice Mail Exchanges

As world leaders return from Glasgow to their home countries, how will they transform the new commitments that they made into action? How can posts – in possession of the largest logistical network in the world – help capitalise on these promises to accelerate the green transition economy-wide?

Although the concept of the circular economy may no longer be a novel one, the urgency to act in accordance with its principles, the need to raise the awareness of its potential to tackle the climate crisis and the push to mobilize the entirety of resources across sectors have never been so pronounced.

On 15 December 2021, the Communication and Events Programme (CEP) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a UN specialized agency for the postal sector, invited representatives from postal operators, the logistics industry, regulators, multilateral agencies, wider postal sector players and other climate advocates to gather for a short but rich online discussion on the role of the circular economy in reversing worrying climate patterns.

Event goals:

• examine the advantages presented by the circular economy in the areas of climate change and sustainable development;

• explore the role and the opportunities of the Post as a consumer, employer and one of the key elements of the logistical chain, in accelerating the transition towards the circular economy;

• identify the gaps related to this transition and the ways to close them;

• look at sustainable climate finance to support the development and implementation of new infrastructure, tools and technologies needed for the green transition.

Speakers:

• Stephan Sicars, Managing Director, Environment and Energy Directorate, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

• Janet Salem, Economic Affairs Officer, Circular Economy, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

• James Chin Moody, CEO, Sendle

Moderation: Ian Kerr, UPU Voice Mail podcast host, Postal Hub Podcast host, and co-host of the Last Mile Prophets

The topical discussion reflects a recent expansion in the UPU’s efforts against climate change as shown in Congress Resolution C 17/2021 on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the postal sector.

To learn more about the speakers, click here
Full event recording
Presentation of Janet Salem (UN ESCAP)
Presentation of Stephan Sicars (UNIDO)

Additional resources:
Voice Mail, Episode 4: The future is circular
UPU members unanimously adopt a resolution focused on greater action and cooperation in the fight against climate change
UPU’s theme for 2022 International Letter-Writing Competition gives young people a voice in climate crisis