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Digitalization and digital transformation of postal services has become a strategic priority as the digital economy is expanding. Postal operators worldwide are implementing new technologies to modernize, diversify and adapt services to customer demand.
According to UPU research, over 93% of Posts provide some form of digital postal services either directly or in partnership with other companies. From basic digital postal services such as online track and trace, e-post through to e-government and e-commerce services such as digital identities, national marketplaces, e-payments and e-logistics, innovation continues at pace.
Postal Data Hackathon
In order to bring to life partnerships between postal operators, technology companies, academia and other experts to address challenges and co-create solutions through the wealth of postal data, the UPU is hosting a Postal Data Hackathon in Berne, Switzerland, on 23 and 24 June.
Taxonomy of digital philatelic products
Here you can find a taxonomy which reflects today’s world of digital philately to help customers understand the types of products available.
.POST
The .POST internet top-level domain, managed by the UPU, protects and promotes the postal sector in cyberspace.
Connect.Post
Connect.post is an initiative of the UPU to connect every post office to the Internet by 2030, to bring meaningful digital transformation and inclusion of businesses and citizens in the communities they serve.
Cybersecurity
The UPU has approved security policy recommendations in order reduce the incidence of domain hijacking, phishing and spoofing in the postal sector.
Research and publications
Insights into the digital transformation of postal services, from regular research to measure and monitor the latest digital developments in the sector.
eTrade for All
eTrade-for-all is a collaborative UN wide multi-stakeholder effort to scale up cooperation, transparency and aid-efficiency for inclusive e-commerce.
ICT4development and SDGs
The postal sector is a key element of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) which oversees the development of the Information Society.
UPU Secure E-services Framework
The UPU has developed a range of tools and legal instruments for countries interested to link their national e-services into the international digital postal network – a single territory allowing the circulation of secure communication services around the globe.
Unleashing the power of data: Reflections on the UPU Postal Data Hackathon
28.08.2023 —
Last month, Ghana Post had the privilege of participating in the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) Postal Data Hackathon in Berne, Switzerland. As someone interested in data science, analytics, and problem-solving, this experience was highly rewarding for me, both at the personal level and for Ghana Post at large. Hackathons such as this one offer an excellent opportunity for postal administrations and their employees to enhance technical skills, learn new tools and techniques, and foster valuable connections with like-minded professionals.
Milestones in crypto stamp history: Exploring the possibilities of blockchain in the Post
10.08.2023 — The revolutionary crypto stamps produced by Stampfinity, a brand of VariusSystems, a newly joined UPU Consultative Committee member, have become a steppingstone in the world of collectibles, enabling postal organizations to reach new target groups and provide additional value to collectors. These stamps serve as a gateway for individuals to explore the benefits of blockchain technology without any risk or tedious registration processes.
UPU defines the new generation of digital stamps
08.08.2023 — In a significant move towards embracing digitalization in the philatelic ecosystem, the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) technical and operational body – the Postal Operations Council – has approved the first-ever set of recommended definitions for digital stamps, crypto stamps, and non-fungible token (NFT) stamps.
UPU hackathon makes international postal data available for the first time
28.06.2023 —
Berne, 28 June – The Universal Postal Union (UPU) – the UN specialized agency for international postal cooperation – held its inaugural postal data hackathon, making available data from the UPU, UN partners and 30 postal operators for the first time ever for collaborative analysis and the development of data-driven solutions with partners within and beyond the postal sector.
UPU’s Digital Transformation and Innovation Group outlines key priorities for 2023
14.03.2023 — Members of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) Digital Transformation and Innovation Group (DTIG) have outlined their key priorities for 2023, including plans for the WSIS Forum 2023, the first-ever Postal Data Hackathon, and the work to define Crypto and NFT stamps.
Solution Spotlight: 10 years of .POST
26.12.2022 — Launched in 2012, the Universal Postal Union’s .POST Group (DPG) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. DPG traces its roots back to the late 1990s when visionaries in the postal sector – led by Sweden, Canada, France, and Italy – believed that the internet would become a significant part of people’s lives, and that important industries such as the postal sector should have a stake in its development.
Leading the way for digital financial services in Africa
23.12.2022 — A digital transformation is allowing the Tunisian Post to bring financial services to more of Tunisia’s underserved as it works to strengthen its business in this time of rapid change and intense competition, said Sami Mekki, CEO of the Tunisian Post.
UPU rolls out a new undeliverable mail remuneration solution
08.09.2022 — As the e-commerce sector continues to grow, so too does the number of small packets in the mail stream. This, and increasingly stricter customs rules worldwide, is putting extra strain on Posts, especially for undeliverable mail. Up until January 2022, Posts were not remunerated when returning undeliverable letters and small packets under 2kg, to the origin post. This meant that the receiving post bore the handling and processing costs of sending mail back to its origin.
Correos: Slower deliveries for accelerated climate action
27.07.2022 — There is a difference between necessary and urgent, and Spain’s Correos is encouraging its customers to rethink the urgency of their overnight deliveries by choosing “Responsible Deliveries,” an option that takes more time and yields environmental benefits.
Interview: Building inclusive digital society in Viet Nam
09.06.2022 — As a key part of the socioeconomic system and a public service provider, the Post not only accelerates digitalization, but also ensures that digital transformation includes all population groups and serves them in the best and most equitable way. Viet Nam’s national postal operator, Vietnam Post, provides essential support to each of the three key pillars of the National Digital Transformation Programme: digital government, digital economy and digital society. UPU spoke with Pham Anh Tuan, Vice Minister of Information and Communications of Viet Nam, about what defines the key role of the Post in the national digitization plan and what should be done to fully unfold this potential.