Technical multilateralism and the Universal Postal Union: a blueprint for cooperation in a fragmented world
23.04.2026 — La version française à venir
As the author of “Delivering Diplomacy: The Universal Postal Union as a Post-Westphalian Construct” in the publication celebrating our Union’s 150th anniversary, I reflected on the UPU as not only a historical construct, but as a practical international framework that supports cross-border interoperability and efficiency in postal operations. Central was the concept of “technical multilateralism,” a functionalist approach to international relations that prioritizes the creation of standardized and non-political protocols that allow the global postal model to function in an interoperable manner regardless of geopolitical frictions. This article seeks to expand our understanding of that concept.
As the author of “Delivering Diplomacy: The Universal Postal Union as a Post-Westphalian Construct” in the publication celebrating our Union’s 150th anniversary, I reflected on the UPU as not only a historical construct, but as a practical international framework that supports cross-border interoperability and efficiency in postal operations. Central was the concept of “technical multilateralism,” a functionalist approach to international relations that prioritizes the creation of standardized and non-political protocols that allow the global postal model to function in an interoperable manner regardless of geopolitical frictions. This article seeks to expand our understanding of that concept.
Unlocking win–wins: a global work programme for sustainable postal development
22.04.2026 — La version française à venir
Across the global postal sector, sustainability is no longer a side agenda. As postal operators confront declining mail volumes, rising costs and evolving customer expectations, questions of environmental performance, social impact and long-term resilience are increasingly intersecting with core operational and financial decisions.
Across the global postal sector, sustainability is no longer a side agenda. As postal operators confront declining mail volumes, rising costs and evolving customer expectations, questions of environmental performance, social impact and long-term resilience are increasingly intersecting with core operational and financial decisions.
UPU powers up financial inclusion strategy with partnerships
21.04.2026 — La version française à venir
With 20% of the global population still lacking access to financial accounts according to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, there is much opportunity for postal operators to fill the gap. That’s why the UPU is building momentum for postal financial inclusion with a targeted strategy capitalizing on win-win partnerships with the private sector.
With 20% of the global population still lacking access to financial accounts according to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, there is much opportunity for postal operators to fill the gap. That’s why the UPU is building momentum for postal financial inclusion with a targeted strategy capitalizing on win-win partnerships with the private sector.