7 October 2022, Berne
Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear colleagues,
World Post Day is the opportunity each year for the UPU to announce the results and findings of the postal development report.
Each year the UPU establishes a status report on the level of postal development across the postal sector. This is the sixth year the UPU has published this report – one that is most awaited by the global postal community.
Today, it is my honour and pleasure to open this ceremony, which will recognize the progress made by our member countries and the level of excellence they have reached in their postal development.
Excellencies, dear colleagues,
This year’s postal development report is special and unique in many ways.
First, it provides the most comprehensive view on the state of the postal sector in the post-COVID era.
Secondly, for the first time we have used our assessment methodology to foster sustainable growth plans for postal development. This approach will encourage member countries to invest in postal growth to meet national development needs and to strengthen the single postal network.
Thirdly, we have enhanced the way we assess and recognize the level of postal development of our member countries. This new, more transparent approach will not only help countries identify the best way to strengthen their domestic networks, but will also strengthen the global postal family.
Excellencies, dear colleagues,
The report we have unveiled today shows that 2021 was a positive year for postal development.
In many countries, the postal sector has not only demonstrated its resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has shown its ability to adapt and find new avenues for innovation and growth – growth that we should build together in a sustainable way, not at the cost of our planet.
This year’s report also underlines the disparities in postal development across the globe. The UPU must address these gaps and tailor its interventions to support member countries in their development journey.
With today’s ceremony, we will recognize those countries that have made most progress or achieved the best results. It is a moment of pride for the entire postal community.
To conclude my remarks, allow me to echo the words of the United Nations Secretary General by calling on all governments, postal operators and development partners to use this report to “work together towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for all”.