Photo: Universal Postal Union (UPU)

9 October 2016 – Marking World Post Day, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has stressed that putting customers at the heart of its service and adjusting to rapid technological modernization remains the top priority of the postal services worldwide.

“Modern information and communications technologies have created a new type of consumer, for whom delivering at the doorstep is not enough; they want service when and where they need it. The demand is for more flexible and personalized services,” stated UPUDirector General Bishar A. Hussein in a message for the Day, marked annually on 9 October.

The UPU, a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established 142 years ago, serving as an example of globalization. Its main purpose was and remains to serve as a “means of creating a seamless network for communicating across borders, allowing the Post to deliver the world,” said Mr. Hussein.

He added that innovations can sometimes be disruptive, yet, the Post's main objective is to turn these challenges into opportunities and continue satisfying the customers' needs. To achieve this goal, “the Post must continuously transform and find new ways to go beyond simply delivering to the customer's doorstep.”

The UPU has already begun the transformation process by establishing three specific goals for the 2017-2020 roadmap known as the Istanbul World Postal Strategy, that will provide a suitable platform and guide the industry above and beyond in the next four years.

According to Mr. Hussein, the three main goals include: improving the interoperability of network infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and modern products, and fostering market and sector functioning. In this way, the industry's business will continue to develop through innovation, integration and inclusion, an agenda contained within the UPU's Vision 2020.

The Director General added: “Above all, the industry has to identify new opportunities being brought about by customers' daily needs and expectations in all facets of their lives,” which can be achieved by integrating postal networks internationally, regionally and nationally.

In the meantime, Mr. Hussein said, UPU is adjusting to the changes in postal business by bringing together stakeholders and postal leaders to discuss new ways to satisfy customers' needs.

“We are determined to remain the trusted, reliable and affordable communication service provider for institutions, businesses and citizens of the world,” he added.

Countries around the globe, since 1969, have celebrated World Post Day, declared by the UPU Congress in Tokyo. The Day is an opportunity for Posts to advertise new services and products.

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