The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) are collaborating to bridge the digital divide and foster innovation in the digital economy. Their partnership focuses on leveraging technology to enhance postal services and connectivity, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable digital future.

1. Connectivity and infrastructure mapping: ITU and the UPU are working together on initiatives to map and share infrastructure, identifying opportunities to connect post offices and schools to the Internet. This collaboration enhances digital access, particularly in underserved areas, and aligns with global efforts to improve digital inclusion.

2. Strengthening digital security: 

• In 2024, the UPU participated in ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators on the theme of “Regulation for Impact”, exploring best practices in digital security.
• ITU’s expertise in security standards supports the UPU in developing secure mobile applications, such as digital financial service apps. ITU provides not only guidelines but also access to security labs, enabling training for postal and telecommunications partners regarding critical security elements when adopting or developing mobile solutions.

3. Big data and ICT development: The partnership encompasses research into big data and ICT indicators to identify mutually beneficial overlaps in data analysis, measurement systems and development strategies relating to postal services. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the role of the postal sector in the digital economy.

4. Global advocacy and partnerships:

• As a member of the United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) and a co-facilitator of World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Line C7 on e-business, alongside UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the UPU advocates for the postal sector’s role in the digital economy.
• The partnership supports the broader WSIS goal of building an inclusive information society that benefits all economies.

5. OpenWallet Forum: The UPU joined the OpenWallet Forum Government Consultative Committee as an observer in 2024. This initiative provides a platform for governments and stakeholders to collaborate on digital wallet solutions, promoting secure and interoperable financial services.

ITU and the UPU will continue to explore synergies in digital connectivity, data analysis and security to advance the development of postal services in the digital age. Their partnership underscores the importance of technology in creating inclusive and sustainable solutions for global challenges.

For more information, listen to episode 21 of the UPU Voice Mail podcast, with Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary General – Connectivity that transforms lives