The UPU’s blog Postal Matters offers fresh insights into the international postal sector, as well as its technological advances and latest innovations. With opinions from thought leaders in postal operators, the UPU, the wider UN system and many others, the blog introduces fresh views and perspectives on the postal future, ecommerce, sustainable development, financial inclusion and many other areas connected to this unique global sector. 

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Unlocking the past and unveiling the future of envelopes: how standardization reshaped the envelope in the 1960s

Unlocking the past and unveiling the future of envelopes: how standardization reshaped the envelope in the 1960s

06.03.2024In the wake of the economic crisis of 2008 and the unprecedented lockdown of 2020, the once-prevalent tradition of sending letters has faced a steady decline, hastened by the widespread adoption of the Internet. This shift is leading to the gradual disappearance of the humble envelope, prompting a closer examination of the standardization efforts spearheaded by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) over half a century ago.
Unleashing the power of data: Reflections on the UPU Postal Data Hackathon

Unleashing the power of data: Reflections on the UPU Postal Data Hackathon

28.08.2023

Last month, Ghana Post had the privilege of participating in the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) Postal Data Hackathon in Berne, Switzerland. As someone interested in data science, analytics, and problem-solving, this experience was highly rewarding for me, both at the personal level and for Ghana Post at large. Hackathons such as this one offer an excellent opportunity for postal administrations and their employees to enhance technical skills, learn new tools and techniques, and foster valuable connections with like-minded professionals.

Milestones in crypto stamp history: Exploring the possibilities of blockchain in the Post

Milestones in crypto stamp history: Exploring the possibilities of blockchain in the Post

10.08.2023The revolutionary crypto stamps produced by Stampfinity, a brand of VariusSystems, a newly joined UPU Consultative Committee member, have become a steppingstone in the world of collectibles, enabling postal organizations to reach new target groups and provide additional value to collectors. These stamps serve as a gateway for individuals to explore the benefits of blockchain technology without any risk or tedious registration processes.
A 21st Century Business Strategy for Posts in Developing Regions

A 21st Century Business Strategy for Posts in Developing Regions

17.11.2022Commoditization of postal products has made the courier and express parcel (CEP) market competition time-sensitive. In this kind of market, a longer lead-time period – the time between ordering/booking and delivery - is fatal for any postal or courier organization, while speed and service excellence are now even more paramount than the product itself or its price. For many Posts in developing countries, these rapid changes call for a profound adaptation of their strategies, operations and business models.
Our role is to serve: Egypt Post sets new benchmarks in social, financial and digital inclusion

Our role is to serve: Egypt Post sets new benchmarks in social, financial and digital inclusion

18.08.2022Established on 29 October 1865, Egypt Post is one of the oldest governmental institutions in the country. For almost 157 years, the Post has been offering financial and postal services of good quality and at affordable rates to citizens all over Egypt, fulfilling its universal service obligation. Today, inclusivity, affordability, and digital empowerment top Egypt Post’s strategic agenda.
Delivering more than the mail: How Posts can deliver economic inclusion worldwide

Delivering more than the mail: How Posts can deliver economic inclusion worldwide

23.06.2022According to Visa, one of the world’s biggest financial services corporations, digital equity and inclusion rely on three key assets: access, trusted convenience, and knowledge. A key partner in the UPU’s Financial Inclusion Technical Assistance Facility (FITAF) project, Visa believes that the Post can advance each of these pillars, paving the way towards more equitable and prosperous communities.
UPU EAD App makes postal data exchange easy, secure & affordable

UPU EAD App makes postal data exchange easy, secure & affordable

01.06.2022

During their transformation from a network distributing correspondence (letters) to a network distributing goods (parcels and small packets), Posts are facing increased competition and smaller profit margins. The exchange of data is critical to maintaining a competitive quality of service; however, electronic advance data (EAD) compliance can be costly. UPU is working to facilitate that data exchange in an efficient yet affordable way through its EAD Customs Declaration Mobile App.

Correos Market, The market place for Spanish businesses

Correos Market, The market place for Spanish businesses

27.05.2022Correos Market was launched in 2019 as part of Correos’ commitment to tackle the Spanish demographic challenge in rural areas – a key aspect of the company’s corporate social responsibility policy.
Ghana Post supports community well-being through preventive healthcare

Ghana Post supports community well-being through preventive healthcare

21.04.2022Recognizing the importance of health and well-being, Ghana Post is a longstanding champion and a source of best practices in the provision of both treatment and preventive healthcare services to its employees and beyond.
PUASP’s Regulatory Affairs Committee – A step forward in postal regulation and reform

PUASP’s Regulatory Affairs Committee – A step forward in postal regulation and reform

17.03.2022The restricted union covering the Americas, Spain and Portugal, which I have had the honour to lead starting this year, has taken a major step forward in its work on postal sector regulation.
Driving digital economy in Africa through inclusive and secure e-commerce

Driving digital economy in Africa through inclusive and secure e-commerce

17.02.2022Back in 2016, when the Istanbul World Postal Strategy recognized digital transformation and diversification of postal services in Africa as an essential building block of the global postal network’s modernization, Zimpost – the national postal operator of Zimbabwe – saw it as an opportunity to harness the digital economy to drive postal growth and innovation.
Delivering the undeliverable: Pakistan Post goes extra mile for every parcel

Delivering the undeliverable: Pakistan Post goes extra mile for every parcel

20.01.2022An office of exchange (OE) is mainly a processing facility of international mail, but it can play a pivotal role in the delivery of undelivered international mail items. As a rule, an OE either returns undelivered parcels to senders or disposes of them, in line with national legislation. However, Pakistan Post has found a way to make thousands of undelivered inbound parcels reach their addressees without any additional investment.