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.
TradePost takes its first steps in Côte d’Ivoire
20.04.2026 — La version française à venir
In early December 2025, Abidjan became the focal point of a new chapter in postal trade facilitation. Over five days, representatives of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, customs authorities, La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire and designated postal operators from across West Africa met with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to launch TradePost in the country.
In early December 2025, Abidjan became the focal point of a new chapter in postal trade facilitation. Over five days, representatives of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, customs authorities, La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire and designated postal operators from across West Africa met with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to launch TradePost in the country.
Bridging the digital divide via the Post
17.04.2026 — La version française à venir
The latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has revealed that despite rapid growth in global connectivity, 2.2 billion people remain unconnected to the internet. This figure represents roughly a quarter of the global population, with most unconnected individuals living in low- and middle-income countries.
The latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has revealed that despite rapid growth in global connectivity, 2.2 billion people remain unconnected to the internet. This figure represents roughly a quarter of the global population, with most unconnected individuals living in low- and middle-income countries.
Union Postale: 150 ans d’articles
30.03.2026 — L’Union Postale Universelle a récemment célébré ses 150 ans, le 9 octobre 2024. L’année suivante, en 2025, le Bureau International a également fêté son 150e jubilé. Mais il y a encore une autre composante importante de l’UPU qui fête ses 150 ans en même temps que le BI : la revue Union Postale, dont la parution a été ininterrompue depuis sa première édition en 1875 suite à l’établissement du Bureau à Berne.
Consultative Committee to advance collaboration in Dubai Cycle
26.03.2026 — La version française à venir
As the Universal Postal Union (UPU) begins its 2026-2029 Dubai cycle, the new Management Committee of the Consultative Committee (CC MC) is positioning itself as a central platform for strengthening dialogue and collaboration across the global postal ecosystem.
As the Universal Postal Union (UPU) begins its 2026-2029 Dubai cycle, the new Management Committee of the Consultative Committee (CC MC) is positioning itself as a central platform for strengthening dialogue and collaboration across the global postal ecosystem.
Comment les services postaux soutiennent les femmes entrepreneurs
25.03.2026 — À l’occasion du Mois international de la femme, l’Union postale universelle met en avant le rôle des réseaux postaux dans le soutien aux microentreprises et aux petites et moyennes entreprises, notamment aux femmes entrepreneurs qui veulent se positionner sur les marchés internationaux. Dans le cadre de ces efforts et avant le lancement de son initiative Heya, qui soutient les entreprises dirigées par des femmes, nous avons interviewé l’artisane tunisienne Héla Chadi, dont l’expérience montre comment les services postaux peuvent permettre de connecter l’artisanat local avec une clientèle internationale.
IPS at 30: pioneering a postal sector for all
23.03.2026 — La version française à venir
Lati Matata, Director of the UPU’s Postal Technology Centre, shares how the International Postal System (IPS) revolutionized global operations when it was launched 30 years ago and how it will be fundamental to the sector’s next big transformation: interoperability with the wider sector players.
Lati Matata, Director of the UPU’s Postal Technology Centre, shares how the International Postal System (IPS) revolutionized global operations when it was launched 30 years ago and how it will be fundamental to the sector’s next big transformation: interoperability with the wider sector players.
Les réseaux postaux ouvrent le commerce électronique mondial aux femmes entrepreneures
17.03.2026 — L’UPU a présenté les résultats de sa récente étude sur le pouvoir du réseau postal pour inclure les femmes propriétaires de petites entreprises durant la dernière séance d’information du 10 mars du réseau «eTrade for Women» de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le commerce et le développement.
Les responsables postaux africains adoptent une déclaration pour pousser la transformation numérique
06.03.2026 — Les directeurs généraux des opérateurs postaux de la région se sont réunis avec de hauts responsables gouvernementaux, des régulateurs, des Unions restreintes, des partenaires du secteur privé et des agences de développement pour signer la Déclaration de Praia lors du Forum des responsables postaux africains de l’UPU, tenu à Praia (Cabo Verde) du 25 au 27 février.
Pourquoi le réseau postal est important pour un commerce mondial inclusif
27.02.2026 — La facilitation du commerce est devenue l’un des enjeux déterminants de la politique économique mondiale. Alors que les modèles commerciaux évoluent, passant des expéditions par conteneurs à des millions de petits colis générés par le commerce électronique, l’efficacité des procédures transfrontalières détermine de plus en plus qui peut participer au commerce international et qui ne le peut pas.