The UPU’s Regional Strategy Forum for Latin America was held on 3 and 4 September in Bogotá, Colombia, where high-level representatives from postal operators, ministries and regulatory authorities gathered to discuss the UPU’s 2026-2029 postal strategy.
UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki opened the forum by expressing his gratitude and optimism. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Colombia for its generous hospitality and hosting of this event here in Bogotá. Both the global postal sector and the UPU are facing new risks; however, with these risks come new opportunities. For this reason, we need an optimistic and forward-looking strategy," he said.He was joined by Franklin Castro, Secretary General of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain, and Portugal (PUASP), who applauded the regionalized approach. "I invite you all to reflect on a global strategy for the UPU from the perspective of regionalization, as well as in terms of the strengthening and digitalization of the single postal territory.”
For his part, Juan Alberto Garcia Estrada, President of Colombia’s Servicios Postales Nacionales (4-72), highlighted how the forum would allow operators in the region to connect with and reflect on trends in the global postal sector. “For the designated operator of Colombia, Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. – 4-72, this forum is very important in that it will allow us to establish cooperation agreements with the various countries with which we will be working,” he said.
He continued, “As a result, we will be able to forge alliances that will enable us to learn more about what is happening in the world from a commercial point of view, and to put this information into perspective in relation to our situation as postal operators. Moreover, and most importantly, it will allow us to take stock of the prospects that lie ahead from a technological standpoint.”
Two-day deliberations
Over two days, participants discussed the UPU’s proposed strategic framework for 2026–2029 in order to provide region-specific feedback towards the final version of the strategy that will be reviewed and approved at the UPU’s 2025 Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The forum’s opening session focused on enhancing global connectivity and cooperation, considering changes to policies, regulation, multilateral agreements, standards and platforms for dialogue that would be required in the coming years. Participants later turned their sights towards innovation, discussing how embracing technological advancements and diversifying services to meet changing market demands could strengthen the sector. They wrapped up by examining how UPU technology governance models could support supply chain partners and the integration of wider postal sector players. On the second day, participants zeroed in on means of increasing the resilience and inclusivity of the postal network through cooperation, with the UPU as a driver of this.
Reflecting on the discussions in his closing remarks, the UPU Director General said, “We have heard your voices and views, and I have paid particular attention to the specific challenges of your region.”
“I have paid careful attention to the need for alliances and partnerships, both within the postal sector and with the private sector to foster innovations and bridge technical and resourcing gaps. Such alliances have the potential to bring immense benefits to the citizens of your countries,” he said.
He highlighted that concerns raised about the need for improved transport connectivity, engagement with governments to promote diversified postal services, and a greater regional presence of the UPU would be taken into account.
The next Regional Strategy Forum will be held for the Arab region on 11 and 12 September 2024 in Doha, Qatar.