The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1874, to foster and coordinate international postal services. It is the primary global body that sets the rules for international mail exchanges and ensures that postal services remain efficient, reliable, and accessible worldwide.
The UPU’s mission is to improve global communication, trade, and development by facilitating the delivery of mail and parcels across borders. It works with postal operators, governments, and other stakeholders to create a seamless, integrated global postal network that supports the movement of goods, information, and services.
Key functions of UPU include:
- Standardizing Postal Operations: UPU establishes the international standards for the delivery of mail and parcels, ensuring uniformity and efficiency across countries.
- Promoting Access to Postal Services: The organization works to ensure that postal services are available, affordable, and accessible to all people, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
- Advancing Innovation and Sustainability: UPU is committed to driving technological innovation within postal services and aligning its operations with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting environmental and social sustainability.
Through its efforts, the UPU plays a key role in supporting global trade, enhancing communication, and fostering economic and social development, particularly in developing nations.