Abidjan/Berne. At a press conference held today, the Universal Postal Union’s Director General Bishar A. Hussein informed journalists about UPU's many achievements during his leadership, challenges to the international postal sector and his views about the Post's future.
Asked what he had learned as Director General—and as an African—Mr. Hussein responded that the role was the fulfilment of his career. “[It] is a message for every African child. When you are given the opportunity, you can rise to the highest level.”
Mr. Hussein went on to say that his role involved bringing UPU's member countries together when they sometimes held divergent views and were pursuing different interests. He said that, in his experience, no group had a monopoly on ideas.
Discussing differences between the public and private sectors, the UPU DG said that financing was often the main difference. He also noted that the international postal sector was increasingly attracting well-educated and experienced individuals who would be able to take the sector forward.
Speaking about his own achievements as UPU Director General from 2013 to 2021, Mr. Hussein said he was proud of the way the organization had been able to promote regional and gender balance and build cooperation. “Our strength is our unity,” he added.
Questioned about the future of the postal sector, Mr. Hussein replied that it had a bright future. He urged postal operators everywhere to develop their digital and e-commerce businesses and noted that segments of the parcels business were growing exponentially.
The UPU Director General was speaking to local and international media at a press conference organized during the 27th Universal Postal Congress held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from 9-27 August.
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The Universal Postal Union is a UN specialized agency with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne. Established in 1874, it is one of the world’s oldest international organizations and is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players.
For further information on the UPU Ministerial Conference 2021, go to:
https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Bodies/Congress#ministerial-conference
For further information on the Abidjan sessions, go to:
https://www.upu.int/en/Events/Side-Events-27th-Universal-Postal-Congress
For further information, please contact:
David Dadge
Communication and Events Manager,
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Executive Office Directorate
Mobile Telephone: +225 566 994 973 (9-27 August)
Email: david.dadge@upu.int