UPU

The UPU
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the second oldest international organization worldwide.








With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It  helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services.
In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers
About this section
In the menu on the left, you will find plenty of useful and essential information to help you understand the UPU, an organization whose history spans more than 100 years, its place in the United Nations family, its role and activities throughout the postal sector, and its operations.
Organization
The UPU consists of:
4 bodies
The Congress
The Council of Administration (CA)
The Postal Operations Council (POC)
The International Bureau (IB)
2 cooperatives
Telematics Cooperative
EMS Cooperative





Member countries


Any member country of the United Nations may become a member of the UPU.
Any non-member country of the United Nations may become a UPU member provided that its request is approved by at least two-thirds of the member countries of the UPU. The UPU has now 192 member countries.
Union expenses are financed jointly by the member countries, through a contribution class system. Upon admission to the Union, new member countries are free to choose one of ten contribution classes ranging from one to 50 units. An additional contribution class of one-half unit is reserved for the least developed countries.

Countdown to Doha: 25th Universal Postal Congress

The countdown to the 25th UPU Congress in Doha (Qatar) has begun. This important event will be held from 24 September to 15 October 2012 at the brand new, state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Some 2,000 participants are expected to attend.

World postal strategy

Every four years, the UPU Congress brings together plenipotentiaries from the organization’s 192 member countries to define the future world postal strategy, the Union’s four-year roadmap, and lay down standards and regulations which facilitate and increase the security of international exchanges of mail and parcels, as well as the delivery of a broad range of secure and affordable electronic and financial services.

The Congress will also provide a forum for the discussion of important global issues such as sustainable development, trade facilitation, financial inclusion, money transfers, and addressing as important factors for the social and economic development of countries.

Ministerial conference

The plenary sessions will begin on 8 October with a ministerial conference, where heads of government, ministers responsible for postal services, heads of United Nations and other international organizations, and postal sector stakeholders will debate the future of the world's postal services.

Registration

The online registration form will be available in February 2012.

About World Post Day

9 October

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969.

Awareness

The purpose of World Post Day is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries. The celebration encourages member countries to undertake programme activities aimed at generating a broader awareness of their Post’s role and activities among the public and media on a national scale.

New products and services

Every year, more than 150 countries celebrate World Post Day in a variety of ways. In certain countries, World Post Day is observed as a working holiday. Many Posts use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services. Some Posts also use World Post Day to reward their employees for good service.

In many countries, philatelic exhibitions are organized and new stamps and date cancellation marks are issued. Other activities include the display of World Post Day posters in post offices and other public places, open days at post offices, mail centers and postal museums, the holding of conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as cultural, sport and other recreational activities. Many postal administrations issue special souvenirs such as T-shirts 

Languages

French is the official language of the UPU. English was added as a working language in 1994. The majority of the UPU's documents and publications – including its flagship magazine, Union Postale - are available in the United Nations official languages:

Arabic

Chinese

English

French

Russian

Spanish

Portuguese

Useful links;- 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Postal_Union

2.http://www.upu.int/en.html