As the Universal Postal Union (UPU) moves towards its 28th Universal Congress in Dubai, it does so at a defining moment in its 150-year history. The year 2024 marked a milestone for the UPU as it celebrated a century and a half of enabling global communication and empowering people across nations. Now, with its sights set on Dubai 2025, the UPU is not just reflecting on its past – it stands at a pivotal juncture. It is reinventing itself for the future of postal services in an era defined by digital transformation, e-commerce and global connectivity.
Congress at a global hubFrom 8 to 19 September 2025, representatives from 192 member countries will gather to shape the future of the global postal sector, setting policies and adopting the UPU strategy. Hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Congress will take place in Dubai – a city recognized for its advanced infrastructure and role in global trade.
With its strategic location and commitment to innovation, Dubai offers an ideal platform for discussions on modernizing postal operations, integrating digital technologies and strengthening cross-border collaboration. The Congress will also highlight the UAE’s contributions to the industry, including advancements in e-commerce logistics, digital finance and sustainable postal solutions.
During a special reception hosted by the UAE in February, the official logo of the Dubai Congress was unveiled. The design embodies the Congress’s theme of transformation and global connectivity, while symbolizing Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a global hub. Central to the logo is the falcon, an enduring emblem of strength, vision and progress, soaring forward to represent ambition and the pioneering spirit of the postal sector. The shades of blue incorporated into the design convey trust, momentum and limitless possibilities, aligning with the sector’s commitment to shaping a resilient and future-focused industry. The logo stands as a gateway ushering in a new chapter, bridging tradition and transformation.
From 150 years of legacy to a bold new vision
The world has undergone tremendous transformations since the last Congress, with postal operators facing new and complex challenges. From shifting customer expectations and digitalization to regulatory pressures and environmental sustainability, the sector must reinvent itself. As Dubai 2025 approaches, the focus shifts from legacy to action. The Congress will provide a platform to build on this momentum, ensuring that the next phase of postal development embraces new technologies, strengthens cross-border supply chains and enhances financial inclusion worldwide. The UPU Congress in 2025 will serve as the defining platform to chart the course of the global postal industry for the 2026–2029 cycle.
Reflecting on the progress made during the Abidjan cycle and the road ahead, Mr Masahiko Metoki, UPU Director General, emphasized the significance of this moment during the final Postal Operations Council (POC) and Council of Administration (CA) sessions held before the Dubai Congress.
“The work done (...) in relation to the Dubai cycle strategy and business plan provide an effective roadmap for our work in the next cycle. This strategy, established through extensive consultations, is closely aligned with and responsive to the needs of member countries.”
At the core of this Congress will be key strategic discussions on the UPU strategy, the Dubai Business Plan, financial sustainability, leadership elections, and the integrated approach to products, remuneration and quality of service. Additionally, the UPU Global Leaders Summit will serve as a crucial forum to align international postal objectives with broader economic and technological trends. This landmark event will outline not only the future of postal services but also their role in international trade and development.
UPU strategy for 2026–2029: a new era of postal innovation
As the world becomes more interconnected and digitally driven, the UPU is charting a new course for postal services. At the heart of the Congress is the UPU strategy for 2026–2029, a roadmap that will guide the postal sector into the next decade. The strategy is built around three fundamental pillars. The first focuses on a unified postal network that ensures seamless global connectivity through a modernized regulatory framework. By streamlining policies and enhancing international cooperation, the UPU aims to guarantee universal access to postal services, making them more resilient, efficient and adaptable to the demands of an increasingly digital economy.
The second pillar is innovation – a defining force in this transition. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are no longer futuristic concepts; they are shaping the way that postal networks operate today. By embracing these cuttingedge technologies, the sector can optimize logistics, expand digital financial services, and provide smarter, faster and more customer-centric solutions. The role of postal operators is no longer confined to delivering letters and parcels; they are becoming key players in global commerce, facilitating secure transactions and enabling economic participation in even the most remote regions.
“The world is changing rapidly, with the shift from letter post to parcels, the transformational impact of artificial intelligence, and emerging commercial challenges. But the challenges shaping our world also present opportunities. I believe that postal operators can succeed in an e-commerce-driven world, by focusing on a new future with our integrated plans central to our strategy,” noted the UPU Director General during the POC plenary meeting in February.
Equally important, the third pillar is the UPU’s commitment to fostering development through greater international cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance. The UPU is strengthening regional partnerships, supporting infrastructure modernization, and driving the expansion of digital postal services, particularly in underserved communities. By closing gaps in access and connectivity, postal services can become powerful engines for social and economic growth, ensuring that no country is left behind in this wave of transformation.
Sustainability underpins all three pillars, reinforcing the postal sector’s role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Many postal operators are already investing in electric vehicles, energy-efficient sorting facilities and optimized supply chains to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. The UPU is supporting these efforts through regulatory frameworks that promote green logistics and encourage climate-conscious investment. By integrating sustainability into innovation and development strategies, the postal sector is not only adapting to climate challenges but also shaping a more resilient and responsible future.
Dubai Business Plan: a roadmap for execution
Designed as a roadmap for action and execution of the UPU strategy for 2026– 2029, the plan is built on a foundation of innovation, regulatory modernization and financial sustainability as the key pillars that will drive postal networks into the next era of global commerce.
It provides a structured approach to postal development, ensuring that modernization efforts translate into real-world improvements. A key aspect of the plan is its tiered funding approach, which aligns available financial resources with strategic priorities to bring maximum value and transparency for member countries.
Regulatory modernization remains at the heart of the plan. With cross-border trade becoming more complex, streamlining customs procedures and facilitating digital transactions will be crucial to ensure faster and more efficient international postal flows. The business plan also emphasizes the need for policy harmonization, creating a consistent regulatory environment that enables seamless global operations.
With e-commerce and digital finance reshaping the industry, the Dubai Business Plan positions postal networks to be more competitive, resilient and customer-focused. As leaders gather at the UPU Congress, the emphasis will be on turning this ambitious vision into a reality – one that ensures postal services remain a vital enabler of global trade and economic growth in the years ahead.
Expanding e-commerce capabilities: a global growth engine
In an era where e-commerce is fuelling unprecedented levels of international trade, the efficiency of cross-border postal supply chains has never been more critical. From small businesses shipping overseas to consumers expecting faster and more transparent deliveries, postal networks must adapt to an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
The UPU strategy for 2026–2029 places an increased focus on helping postal services meet the current and emerging needs of e-commerce customers by refining product portfolios, enhancing service quality and offering competitive pricing. The Congress will explore strategies for developing agile business models that address the end-toend logistics of the C2C, B2C, B2B and B2B2C sectors.
Key strategies will focus on fostering interoperability with customs and transport partners, modernizing last-mile delivery infrastructure and integrating digital platforms with e-commerce services. Investment in regional postal hubs, streamlined customs procedures, and digital transport documentation will also be essential to optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.
In addition, the Congress will explore how advanced technologies such as AI-driven customs clearance, blockchain for secure transactions, and enhanced warehousing solutions can further optimize postal operations. By fostering closer relationships, postal networks can ensure compliance with international trade regulations while making the movement of parcels smoother and more predictable. This will be essential as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve and as security and transparency become even more important in cross-border commerce.
The expansion of regional postal hubs is also set to play a transformative role. By creating strategically located distribution centres, postal networks can optimize delivery routes, reduce transit times and improve efficiency across different markets. These hubs will act as vital connectors, ensuring that parcels reach their destinations faster and more cost-effectively, even in remote regions.
Expanding postal infrastructure for e-commerce is no longer a choice – it is a necessity. Countries with strong postal logistics frameworks are better positioned to compete in the digital economy, and the Congress will lay out strategies to ensure that all UPU member countries benefit from the rise of digital trade.
A gateway to financial inclusion
For millions around the world, especially in underserved regions, postal networks have long provided a vital bridge to financial inclusion. With digital transformation reshaping the financial sector, postal banking is emerging as a powerful tool to connect more individuals and businesses to the global economy.
As a cornerstone of financial accessibility, many postal networks already offer essential services such as remittances, small business loans and savings accounts. These services are particularly vital in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited, making post offices a lifeline for financial transactions. However, with growing demand for faster and more digital-friendly financial solutions, postal operators must modernize to keep up.
A key focus at the UPU Congress will be how postal networks can strengthen their digital banking capabilities. By adopting mobile banking platforms and expanding e-wallet services, post offices can make transactions easier and more convenient for customers who previously had limited banking options.
The rise of fintech partnerships is also set to play a major role, as collaboration with technology-driven financial firms can introduce new and innovative financial products tailored to the needs of postal customers.
Beyond convenience, mobile banking expansion is poised to transform financial accessibility on a global scale. With smartphone penetration on the rise (particularly in emerging markets), secure and user-friendly digital banking solutions can empower individuals and small businesses by providing them with direct access to banking services – no matter where they are.
As discussions unfold in Dubai, the goal will be clear: to ensure that postal networks continue to drive financial inclusion, not just through traditional services but by embracing a future where digital banking and postal operations work hand in hand. The postal sector has always been about delivering more than just mail – it is about delivering opportunity
UPU Global Leaders Summit: leading the postal sector into a new era
As the world of logistics and communication undergoes seismic shifts, the UPU Global Leaders Summit will bring together key decision makers, industry pioneers and policymakers to chart the future of the postal sector. Held as part of the 2025 UPU Congress, this high-level summit will explore how postal services can remain at the heart of global trade, digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
Opening remarks from the UPU leadership and UAE representatives will set the stage for bold discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. The first session will spotlight future trends with highimpact presentations, challenging conventional thinking and presenting forward-looking insights on AI, big data, automation, predictive analysis and digitalization, redefining customer expectations as to how postal operators must evolve to stay competitive.
The second session, “Collaboration spotlight – A duet dialogue”, will emphasize the power of public–private partnerships in modernizing postal services. Case studies will highlight how successful partnerships have transformed postal operations, from fintech integration to last-mile delivery efficiency.
The final session will focus on regulatory frameworks, addressing how postal networks can position themselves as key enablers of e-commerce, trade and financial services. The conversation will address critical regulatory and policy frameworks that can accelerate innovation, ensure fair competition and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Beyond shaping discussions, the visionary summit will play a crucial role in refining key proposals that will be presented to the Dubai Congress. By aligning decision making with the broader global economic landscape, this exclusive platform will prove that postal services are not just adapting to change, but actively driving it. Dubai 2025 will be a turning point – where global leaders set the course for a faster, smarter and more connected postal sector than ever before.
Towards a transformative Congress
As digital transformation accelerates and commerce becomes more interconnected, postal networks must adapt, innovate and lead. This Congress presents a historic opportunity to reshape the industry, ensuring that it remains a vital player in an increasingly digital and customer-driven economy.
From e-commerce logistics to financial inclusion and climate-conscious operations, the postal sector sits at the intersection of global trade, technology and sustainable development. To stay competitive, postal operators must embrace innovation, build strategic partnerships, and modernize policies that reflect the realities of a changing world.
A truly transformative Congress is one that represents the voices of all stakeholders. To ensure inclusive decision making, the event will bring together representatives from all regions, ensuring that the priorities of both developed and emerging postal markets are addressed. The outcomes will define the future of global postal governance, setting policies that drive efficiency, security and sustainability, while upholding the fundamental principles of universal service and accessibility.
Dubai 2025 will not just set the agenda for the next four years, but will determine the long-term trajectory of the industry. With this in mind, the UPU Director General emphasized the importance of commitment.
“Our ability to successfully address the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead is reliant on one crucial factor: commitment. With a shared vision and unwavering collaboration, we can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that the postal sector remains competitive, relevant and responsive to customer needs.”
The Dubai Congress will provide a unique opportunity to set the course for the sector’s long-term evolution. The choices made at this Congress will frame how postal services adapt to new business models, harness digital innovation and remain indispensable to communities worldwide. The future is being written now, and the world is watching as the UPU takes bold steps towards a more resilient, efficient and customer-focused postal ecosystem.
This article first appeared in Union Postale Spring 2025.