Statement of the Director General at the World Post Day Staff Appreciation Event, 8 October 2021
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to celebrate my last World Post Day as Director General of the UPU before the very people who helped make the last nine years such a success – the staff here at the International Bureau.
Our theme for this year’s celebration is “Innovate to recover.” All over the world today, we celebrate the truly resilient spirit of our 192 member countries and their Posts, who have pulled through the Covid-19 pandemic and designed innovative solutions to face the new and evolving challenges. Their work has been inspiring and has reinforced the Post’s relevance as an essential public service provider. They deserve to be celebrated.
Our staff here at the International Bureau deserve accolades as well.
When the pandemic broke out, Posts around the world struggled to keep the mail moving. Borders were closed, flights were grounded and postal workers struggled to navigate stringent new health guidelines while delivering an essential service.
Our staff were on hand to help support them.
Our staff worked long hours to assess the situation across the globe. They communicated with our members. They forged new partnerships to help the mail move again. They did their utmost to assist the sector while also adapting to a new working environment; a new world, a new normal.
They were steadfast in their determination to adopt new ways to work together while they were spread apart. Ultimately, they made sure the work got done.
For that, I extend my sincerest gratitude to all my colleagues at the International Bureau for their dedication and resilience during these difficult times. I am proud to work alongside such capable colleagues.
In a very special way, the management has decided to honour all IB staff with something that will serve as lasting memory of their commitment and dedication in serving the world’s postal community during one of the most difficult times in the existence of the Union.
This award is in the form a certificate that will bear the signatures of all the IB staff and will be displayed at the main reception area of our headquarters for now and in the future.
I request all IB staff to please take a moment to acknowledge themselves and their colleagues by signing their names to this recognition award. Since we are still not fully back working from our offices, please make sure to sign your name next time you are at International Bureau building.
Congratulations to everyone for the exemplary service.
Thank you.