Welcome address by the UPU Director General at the EMS Extraordinary General Assembly

Dubai, Sunday, 7 September 2025, 13.30

Good afternoon, everyone.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this Extraordinary General Assembly of the EMS Cooperative in Dubai, on the eve of the 28th Universal Postal Congress.

This meeting comes at a crucial time for the Cooperative. In recent years, our network has faced profound challenges: shifting markets, regulatory changes, and a sharp decline in volumes.

Today, you will be asked to approve the final version of the Strategic Plan for the next cycle. This establishes the priorities for strengthening performance, ensuring sustainability, and positioning EMS as the fastest, most reliable postal service. The plan also emphasizes the need for quality, standardization and commercial viability.

Additionally, members will be invited to approve new criteria for the EMS Awards, which will guide quality targets, recognizing operators who demonstrate excellence in service and customer care.

I would also like to take the opportunity to update you on the US President's executive order 14324, which ends the de minimis exemption and requires advance duty collection. While recognizing the sovereign right of the United States to set its own customs and duty laws, I conveyed member countries' concerns to the US Secretary of State about the short timelines and operational challenges. The UPU is working with US authorities and developing IT solutions, including a delivered duty paid option, to address these issues and keep flows moving. We will continue to keep you informed through EmiS messages and updated FAQs.

The International Bureau stands ready to support you with the necessary tools and expertise. But our success will ultimately depend on our collective responsibility and commitment.

I wish you fruitful discussions and a successful Assembly.