UPU Congress set to decide new course for postal sector

11 August 2025 (Berne) – The Universal Postal Union (UPU) will convene plenipotentiaries from its 192 member countries to decide the future of the global postal sector during its 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this September. Media are now welcome to register their participation.

WHAT: The 28th Universal Postal Congress

WHO: Representatives from the UPU’s 192 member countries, including ministers responsible for the post, postal CEOs, and the wider postal sector.

WHEN: 8 September through 19 September

WHERE: Dubai World Trade Center, Zaabeel Halls

WHY: During the two-week meeting, hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, member countries will adopt a new strategy and business plan to guide the UN specialized agency’s development of the sector between 2026 and 2029. This includes decisions on proposals to:
 

• Modernize postal products, how they are remunerated and their associated quality of service standards;

• Improve cooperation and interoperability between the postal sector and wider postal sector players;

• Strengthen development cooperation across the postal network;

• Promote inclusion through the postal network;

• Ensure the network is prepared for the energy transition;

• Improve cybersecurity across the postal sector; and more.

The Congress will also elect the UPU Director General and Deputy Director General for the coming four years, as well as the member countries that will participate in its supervisory bodies: the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council.

More information on the Congress schedule and planned press conferences will be released closer to the event on this webpage: https://www.upu.int/en/universal-postal-union/about-upu/bodies/congress

Registration requirements

Entry to the Congress is subject to accreditation by the UPU. All press interested in attending the Congress must register for accreditation. Please contact the UPU (communication@upu.int) to receive access to the registration portal. Traditional media will be required to upload the following documents to the registration portal:
 

• A valid press card or letter of assignment from the media outlet (if unavailable, the applicant will need to provide work samples)

• A valid passport or national ID

• A recent passport-style photo

Independent media and content creators will be required to upload the following documents to the registration portal:
 

• A valid passport or national ID

• A recent passport-style photo

• Examples of recent, relevant content (e.g., posts, episodes, articles etc.)

• Proof of reach and audience engagement (e.g., followers, views, subscriptions)