Join global leaders from governments, regulators, postal operators and the private sector as they explore the future of the postal sector – from visionary strategies and public–private collaboration to concrete steps for building Post 2.0, a sector ready to drive trade, connectivity and inclusive growth in the digital age.
Monday, 8 September 2025, 14:00 - 17:00
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Moderator: Mr Alex Taylor
MC: Ms Rowdha Ahmad Alsayegh
Learn more about the speakers: Speakers Bio
14.00–14.10 Opening ceremony
- Welcome by Mr Masahiko Metoki, Director General, UPU
- Welcome by Mr Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO, 7X, UAE
14.10–15.15 Session 1: Spotlight on the future of the postal sector
This session will provide a bold, forward-looking outlook on the postal sector’s future over the next decade. Around six globally recognized leaders will deliberate in a panel format. These dynamic discussions will focus on visionary, big-picture ideas without delving into detailed implementation strategies, creating a foundation for further discussions during the summit.
Through a “crystal ball gazing” exercise, panellists will share innovative concepts and identify long-term trends, including the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data in creating opportunities that can and will redefine the sector. They will also explore how the postal ecosystem might evolve to address societal needs and deliver value in a digitalized, interconnected world.
This session is intended to spark inspiration and foster a shared understanding of the postal sector’s potential and future trajectory, setting the tone for actionable discussions later in the programme.
Key questions
- What broad trends and disruptions are likely to shape the postal sector over the next decade?
- How will changes in customer behaviour and advances in technology and postal operations impact the sector?
- What is the role of the postal sector in a world increasingly driven by digital connectivity and data?
Speakers
- Mr Rafael Guerra Posadas, Vice Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Spain
- Dr Zhao Chongjiu, Director General, State Post Bureau, China
- Ms Vandita Kaul, Permanent Secretary, Department of Posts, India
- Mr Walter Oblin, CEO, Austria Post
- Mr Sayyid Nasr AlBusaidi, Chief Postmaster General, Oman Post
15.15–15.45 Session 2: Collaboration spotlight – A duet dialogue
This interactive session will feature dynamic duet dialogues, bringing together a mix of senior decision makers from government, regulatory authorities, designated postal operators, and private-sector leaders. The focus will be on the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation and regulation as well as operational excellence within the postal ecosystem.
The dialogues will highlight real-world examples of successful public–private partnerships that have delivered tangible benefits to both citizens and the postal sector. Panellists will discuss strategies for strengthening collaboration, lessons learned from past initiatives, and the challenges of aligning diverse priorities and operating models. They will also explore the broader benefits of partnerships for creating opportunities in underserved areas and supporting economic development goals.
Key questions
- How can public–private collaborations be scaled and replicated globally?
- What are the key lessons learned from successful partnerships in the postal sector?
- How can partnerships help address the needs of underserved communities?
- What role can governments and regulators play in fostering innovation and partnerships?
Speakers
- Mr Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO, 7X, UAE
- Mr Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President, Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Turkey
15.45–16.45 Session 3: Shaping tomorrow’s priorities – A leaders’ panel
This concluding session will shift from visionary thinking to action-oriented discussion, focusing on how to bring the bold ideas discussed earlier into reality. The panel will explore the concept of Post 2.0, a transformation of the postal sector to repurpose its physical network as a cornerstone of logistics, trade, and digital connectivity.
Panellists will discuss the immediate and medium-term steps needed to adapt the sector to emerging challenges while maintaining its role as a critical enabler of global communication, commerce and development. The dialogue will include strategies for leveraging postal networks to support e-commerce logistics, expand access to social and financial inclusion services, and align global and regional systems to promote equitable growth. Leaders will also address the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in fostering innovation, ensuring fair competition, and creating an enabling environment for transformation.
This interactive session will focus on actionable recommendations to guide the UPU’s strategic agenda. Perspectives from developed and developing regions will ensure a balanced dialogue, with region-specific insights and globally relevant solutions.
Key questions
- What immediate steps must postal organizations take to achieve the vision of Post 2.0?
- What operating models should postal stakeholders strive for to realize Post 2.0?
- What role does the postal sector play in supporting national economic development?
- How can developed and developing regions collaborate to address shared challenges?
- What regulatory and policy frameworks are needed to foster innovation and fair competition?
Speakers
- Ms Sonia Faustino Mendes, Vice-Minister of Communications, Brazil
- Commissioner Thomas Day, Postal Regulatory Commission, United States
- Mr Telmen Gerelt, CEO, Mongolia Post
- Mr Holger Winklbauer, CEO, International Post Corporation
16:45 Group photo
16.45–17.00 Closing ceremony
- Remarks by Mr Marjan Osvald, Deputy Director General, UPU
- Remarks by Mr Mohamed Khalid Bin Sulaiman, Chief Licensing Officer, Emirates Post Group