By Sonia Meetes, Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent, Switzerland
Ministers responsible for the post, heads of regulators, CEOs of postal operators and wider postal sector leaders, will gather for the UPU Global Leaders Summit, taking place in Dubai on September 8, as part of the UPU’s Congress.
The summit takes place on the first day of the UPU’s Universal Postal Congress, a two-week decision-making forum expected to draw thousands of delegates from the UPU’s 192 member countries to shape the future of the postal sector.
In this context, the UPU Global Leaders Summit provides a one-of-a-kind dialogue among the highest of postal decision-makers around the globe, not only on stage but also from the audience through innovative engagement.
Evolving with the sector
Acknowledging the evolution of the postal sector beyond the traditional government-owned postal operator model, the summit expands the former UPU Ministerial Conference format to include both CEOs of postal operators and business leaders.
Following opening remarks from UPU Director General and 7X Group CEO Tariq Al Wahedi, the first panel will bring together leaders from Austria, China, India, Oman, and Spain to share their visions for the sector’s trajectory. They’ll discuss innovative strategies to drive postal services forward – including through the application of emerging technologies, such as AI – while exploring their role in bridging digital inclusion gaps for customers.
Highlighting public-private partnership
The programme includes a special focus on public-private partnerships, featuring a duet dialogue between 7X and Amazon.
Al Wahedi will be joined by Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Turkey Vice President Ronaldo Mouchawar to discuss the companies’ successful collaboration to offer hyperlocal quick delivery through fulfilment hubs known as dark stores. The initiative, launched in June of this year, is expected to address growing consumer demand for rapid delivery of everyday essentials such as groceries, personal care items, and electronics for customers in the UAE.
Actionable strategies
A final panel bringing together leaders from Brazil, Guinea, Mongolia, the United States and the International Post Corporation will help highlight actionable medium- and long-term strategies for how the sector can bring bold ideas to fruition, making the most of the post’s rich and extensive physical network. Their discussions will touch on business strategy as well as the role posts can play in national economic development agendas.
UPU Deputy Director General Marjan Osvald will close the summit with Emirates Post Chief Licensing Officer Mohamed Khalid Bin Sulaiman.
Seasoned international journalist and conference moderator Alex Taylor will guide the discussions, with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summit led by renowned Emirati master of ceremonies Rowdha Ahmad AlSayegh.
The UPU Global Leaders Summit will take place on 8 September, from 14:00 to 17:00 GST. Physical participation is open to accredited delegates attending the Congress. A livestream will be provided on tv.upu.int.
The UPU’s highest decision-making body is meeting over the next two weeks to discuss the future of the global postal network.
The quadrennial meeting is taking place 8-19 September in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It will draw delegates from the UPU’s 192 member countries to discuss and decide more than 145 proposals and 60 linked documents that will determine how the postal network moves forward over the coming four years. Here are some of the key topics to watch:
Postal leaders – including ministers, heads of regulatory agencies, and chief executives of postal operators and wider sector partners – will set the tone of the Congress’ discussions at the UPU Global Leaders Summit on the opening day of the proceedings.
The Congress will adopt a new UPU strategy and business plan for 2026-2029 that reimagines the postal network adapt to the rapidly evolving communications and trade landscape.
Focused on getting the basics of postal services right in the e-commerce era, the Congress will decide on integrated plans for modernizing postal products, remuneration and quality of service.
Member countries will review a new Development Cooperation Policy aimed at deepening UPU’s work in developing regions, ensuring no country is left behind.
A proposal to expand the UPU’s Postal Payments Services Agreement to include a wider range of financial services could see the postal network boost its impact as an engine for financial inclusion.
Building on the post’s role as an inclusive services provider, member countries will discuss how the network might better serve women – particularly small business owners looking to join the international e-commerce market.
The Congress will review how postal operators can unlock external funding, reduce costs, and build operational resilience through climate action.
As the Congress discusses digitalization, it will also review how to strengthen the security of its digital network.
The Congress will be responsible for electing the UPU’s leadership and members to its Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council for 2026-2029.
