Postal leaders, regulators, policymakers and international partners from across the Arab region gathered in Rabat, Morocco, on 23 and 24 June 2026 for the third Arab Postal Leaders Forum, reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation, strengthening regional logistics integration and positioning postal operators as key enablers of e-commerce and digital trade.
The forum provided a high-level platform for strategic dialogue on the future of postal supply chains, cross-border e-commerce, digital transformation and investment in modern logistics infrastructure across the Arab region.Organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in cooperation with Poste Maroc (Barid Al Maghrib), the forum brought together decision-makers from across the Arab region under the theme "Transforming postal supply chains and digital trade networks for an e-commerce-driven future." Discussions focused on modernizing logistics networks, accelerating digital transformation and building resilient postal ecosystems for the digital economy.
Opening the forum, UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki highlighted the Arab region's strategic potential to become a leading hub for digital trade and logistics, stressing that closer regional cooperation will be key to unlocking new opportunities.
"The future of the postal sector will be shaped through innovation, digital interoperability and public-private partnerships," he said, reaffirming the UPU's commitment to support the region through technical assistance, capacity building and international cooperation.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Government of Morocco, H.E. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Commerce, described the forum as an opportunity to strengthen Arab consultation and coordination in the postal, logistics and digital economy sectors. He stressed that the Arab region's unique geographical position, combined with digital transformation and stronger regional integration, offers an unprecedented opportunity to become a global gateway connecting Africa, Europe and Asia.
Ahmed Amin Benjelloun Touimi, CEO of Barid Al Maghrib Group, noted that rapid advances in digital technologies and e-commerce are reshaping global supply chains and positioning postal operators at the heart of the digital economy. He said that stronger partnerships across the transport, technology and e-commerce sectors, combined with continued investment in digital infrastructure, would be key to building a more innovative, resilient and integrated Arab postal ecosystem, and reaffirmed Poste Maroc's commitment to working with the UPU and regional partners to build a more connected, innovative and sustainable Arab postal ecosystem.
Across six executive panel discussions throughout the two-day event, participants examined how postal operators can strengthen supply chains and digital trade networks through innovation, artificial intelligence, digital interoperability and closer regional collaboration. Discussions also explored ways of facilitating cross-border e-commerce, improving logistics integration and expanding opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Participants also explored new UPU technology solutions, including the global delivered duty paid (DDP) solution and hybrid operational models presented by the UPU Postal Technology Centre, aimed at simplifying customs processes and improving interoperability across international postal supply chains.
Summarizing the forum's key outcomes, Mutua Muthusi, UPU Director of Development and Cooperation, highlighted that the forum had moved beyond identifying challenges to defining practical priorities and partnerships that will guide implementation of the Arab Regional Development Plan 2026–2029.
He emphasized that postal operators should accelerate their transformation into modern logistics, e-commerce and digital service providers through investment in automation, digital technologies, workforce skills and customer-focused innovations, and indicated that achieving these ambitions would require stronger regional cooperation, increased investment and practical implementation of the Arab Regional Development Plan 2026–2029.
Closing the event, Muthusi said: "One message has emerged clearly from this forum: the future of the postal sector will be shaped by connectivity, interoperability, innovation and partnerships." He reaffirmed the UPU's commitment to supporting the region as it translates these priorities into tangible benefits for countries and citizens alike.