UAE Chairs Inaugural Universal Postal Union Council Meeting In Bern To Enhance Global Postal Services

The United Arab Emirates, represented by 7X, took part in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) meetings in Bern, Switzerland. These sessions marked the beginning of a new term for both the UPU Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council. This follows the successful conclusion of the 28th Universal Postal Congress held in Dubai in September.

The meeting's agenda concentrated on improving governance frameworks and financial reform. It also aimed to speed up digital integration among member states and promote inclusion in developing countries. The execution framework of the new strategy was reviewed to align with changes in the digital economy and global supply chains.

Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X and Chairman of the UPU Council of Administration for 2026-2029, led the UAE delegation. Al Wahedi chaired the first meeting of this term's Council of Administration, which is UPU’s top supervisory body. This council oversees implementing decisions and policies adopted by Congress and approves new mechanisms embodying the UPU’s ‘Dubai Strategy 2026–2029’ objectives.

The meeting also discussed forming committees and technical working groups. Additionally, it focused on adopting performance monitoring and assessment mechanisms for UPU during the new ‘Dubai Cycle’ term. The UAE's leadership role highlights its significant contribution to fostering a highly integrated, efficient, and sustainable postal ecosystem globally.

The UAE also participated in Postal Operations Council meetings that examined technical, operational, and commercial aspects of postal systems. Topics included new settlement models, service quality improvement, cross-border eCommerce facilitation, and digital systems integration.

UAE's Role in Global Postal Sector

Tariq Al Wahedi stated, "The inaugural meeting of the Council of Administration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Universal Postal Union’s journey and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to playing a leading role in international efforts to advance governance, innovation, and sustainability. From our position as Chair, we strive to transform the objectives envisioned at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai into a concrete action plan that strengthens global postal infrastructure and enables national economies to benefit from the digital transformation of trade and logistics."

The UAE's participation underscores its crucial role in shaping the future of global postal services. It reflects its dedication to digital transformation and public sector innovation as outlined in ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision aims to position the nation as a global hub for connectivity, trade, and knowledge dissemination.

Al Wahedi further expressed that postal services' future lies not just in moving letters but also in transmitting data and knowledge while connecting communities with opportunities.

With inputs from WAM