The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is committed to shaping a future where postal services are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all member countries. Recognizing the critical role that regional perspectives play in developing effective global strategies, the UPU is pleased to announce a series of in-person UPU Regional Strategy Forums, to be held around the world in June and September 2024. These forums aim to engage all regions and ensure their unique insights and needs are integral to the UPU’s strategy for 2026–2029.
Building on the Regional Strategy Roundtables held in virtual forms in January, these high-level forums are structured to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among senior officials from ministries, designated operators, and regulatory authorities. Each two-day forum consists of an introductory session to present the proposed strategic framework for 2026-2029, followed by comprehensive panel discussions based on each of the three proposed goals. This will be followed by a focused session on UPU technology and concluded by a discussion on outcomes from the two days. The outcomes will be endorsed by the region and serve as valuable input towards the development of the future strategy. Participants will be provided with numerous opportunities to engage on various important themes. This comprehensive approach ensures that the UPU’s future strategy is drafted in a well-informed and inclusive manner, taking into account the specific challenges and opportunities within each region.
Inclusivity and dialogue are at the heart of this process. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe, the UPU aims to foster a sense of ownership and collaboration among the member countries. The UPU Regional Strategy Forums are a platform for meaningful engagement and collective ownership, paving the way for a stronger, more unified postal sector.
A list of dates and host countries follows, along with the basic structure of the programme. As we near closer to the Forums, detailed programmes with speakers will be released by region.
| UPU region | Proposed dates | Host country | City | |
1 | Caribbean | 3 - 4 June | Cayman Islands (Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) | Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands |
2 | Africa | 13 - 14 June | Tanzania (United Rep.) | Arusha |
3 | Americas | 3 - 4 September | Colombia | Bogotá |
4 | Arab | 11 - 12 September | Qatar | Doha |
5 | Europe and Central Asia | 16 - 17 September | Türkiye | Ankara |
6 | Asia-Pacific | 25 - 26 September | Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar |
| Presentation on the first draft of the future strategic framework |
| Panel 1: Leveraging the single postal territory: enhancing global connectivity and cooperation This panel will delve into goal 1 of the UPU’s proposed strategic framework for 2026–2029, which focuses on leveraging the single postal territory through an effective rule-based system. Discussions will centre around the normative role of the UPU in creating and fostering the global rule-based system and underlying standards that lead to an interconnected global postal network. Panellists will explore how the UPU’s initiatives safeguard the single postal territory and ensure equitable access for citizens, customers and businesses worldwide. Key questions and areas of discussion include:
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| Panel 2: Innovations in the global postal ecosystem: driving transformation and growth This panel will address goal 2 of the UPU’s proposed strategic framework for 2026–2029, focusing on strengthening the global postal ecosystem through innovations. Deliberations will highlight the UPU’s dedication to enhancing the entire postal ecosystem by fostering innovation, embracing technological advancements and promoting service diversification. Panellists will explore how the postal sector can adapt to changing market demands, capitalize on digital infrastructure, and contribute to national, regional and global development goals. Key questions and areas of discussion include:
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| Panel 3: Facilitating postal development through enhanced cooperation: building resilience and inclusivity This panel will focus on goal 3 of the UPU’s proposed strategic framework for 2026–2029, emphasizing the facilitation of postal development through enhanced cooperation. Discussion will focus on promoting collaboration, partnership building and knowledge sharing among member countries and stakeholders to address common challenges and realize mutual benefits. Panellists will explore the importance of strengthening digital postal infrastructure, enhancing postal capacity and promoting inclusivity within the global postal network. Key questions and areas of discussion include:
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Focused session: UPU technology Through an interactive session, participants will discuss key UPU technology governance models and support for postal supply chain actors and the integration of wider postal sector players. The expected outcome of the discussion will be:
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Outcomes and way forward The final session, related to future strategy, will examine the key outcomes of the Regional Strategy Forum and further explain how inputs will be integrated therein.
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For any inquiries regarding the forums, please contact strategy@upu.int.
| Regional Strategy Forum in Caribbean | Open Flickr album |
| Regional Strategy Fourm in Africa | Open Flickr album |