“I call on all of you in the name of this historical Union to find the courage to choose the right path not just for yourselves, but for the entire industry,” the Universal Postal Union’s Secretary General* Bishar A. Hussein said today.
Mr Hussein was speaking at the opening ceremony of the UPU’s third Extraordinary Congress in Geneva from 24-26 September. The subject of the meeting is the compensation paid for inbound international bulky letters and small packets, also known as postal remuneration rates.
During his speech, Mr Hussein made an impassioned plea for member countries to reach a consensus on the matter of remuneration rates. He stressed to member countries the importance of reaching a decision so the Union could move forward to meet other industry challenges.
“I believe we are at a fork in the road – a crossroads – where the choices we make can set the course for the rest of the century (…) The decision taken by you must be the correct one to ensure we stand together to bring the necessary changes to this industry,” added Mr Hussein.
Over 800 high profile representatives from 130 member countries are attending the meeting held at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). The United States delegation is led by Mr Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President of the United States for Trade and Manufacturing Policy.
Following the opening session, a series of plenary sessions will allow member countries to discuss the subject, including three proposals before the Extraordinary Congress. The first proposal (Option A) accelerates rate changes, but retains the current methodology; the second (Option B) would allow countries to self-declare their own rates; while the third (Option C) – the convergence proposal – offers a fusion of the first two proposals.
Plenary sessions will continue throughout the 25 September and the closing session takes place on the morning of 26 September. The afternoon of 26 September has been reserved for making changes to the UPU’s regulations, if needed.
The postal remuneration rates system ensures that Posts are compensated for the cost of handling, transporting and delivering bulky letters and small packets across borders.
Other speakers at the opening session, included Chair of the Extraordinary Congress, and the Director General of the Turkish Post, Kenan Bozgeyik, and the Vice-Chair of the Extraordinary Congress, and Director General of the Côte d’Ivoire Post, Isaac Gnamba-Yao.
*The Director General is referred to as Secretary General within the context of the Congress.
***
The Universal Postal Union is a UN specialized agency with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne. Established in 1874, it is one of the world’s oldest international organizations and is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players.
To watch the Congress via live streaming, please go to: www.upu.int/tv/home.htmlFor further information, please contact: David Dadge
Spokesperson, Third Extraordinary Congress
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Executive Office Directorate
Work Telephone : + 41 31 350 31 23
Mobile Telephone: + 41 764 573 654
Email: david.dadge@upu.int