Remarks of the UPU Director General at the opening Plenary of the 28th Universal Postal Congress

8 September 2025

Mr Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X and Chair of the 28th UPU Congress, representing the United Arab Emirates,
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Chair of the Board of Directors of 7X and Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office,
Distinguished Ambassadors and Heads of Delegation,
Esteemed delegates, colleagues and observers,

Welcome to the 28th Universal Postal Congress!

Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for generously hosting this important gathering of postal decision-makers. Under the leadership of Mr Al Wahedi, the entire UAE team has shown remarkable dedication in ensuring the success of this event being hosted at this extraordinary venue, which is the perfect vehicle for a Congress that will certainly mark UPU history.

This Congress comes at a pivotal moment for the global postal sector. We are closing the Abidjan cycle, which saw our sector deeply affected by global pandemics and conflicts and reshaped by rapid economic and technology shifts. In this context of unprecedented change, the UPU has continued to provide its member countries with support, guidance and solutions designed not only to respond to those changes, but also to build on them.

In a world of uncertainties, the postal network remains a powerful engine for inclusion, economic development and trade. Its strength lies in its universal nature and in the shared commitment of each of its components.

In this context of constant change, in which multilateralism is sometimes questioned and challenged, the UPU is needed more than ever. As the primary forum for dialogue, cooperation and negotiation on international postal matters, the UPU provides the framework for unified action.

The challenges are real. Postal operators are still adapting to regulatory shifts, digital change, new delivery models, and sustainability demands.

Yet, these challenges also bring opportunities. E-commerce growth and our global network offer a strong foundation for postal services to modernize and remain vital in connecting people and businesses worldwide.

This Congress is our opportunity to ensure that every link in our network is strong.

It is also our opportunity to demonstrate that, despite any differences in views or interests, we are able to build common solutions, regardless of our region, level of development or business model.

This Congress is our opportunity to work collectively for the benefit of all, to build on what has always made our postal community and the UPU so unique for more than the last 150 years: solidarity and universality.

It is a Congress of opportunities.

Over the coming weeks, we will have important and sometimes complicated matters in front of us. I express my gratitude and encouragement to you, Mr Al Wahedi, Chair of Congress, and to all the committee chairs who will play a key role in the success of our Congress. You will have the full and dedicated support of the international secretariat to assist you in your tasks.

Excellencies, dear delegates,

Over the next two weeks, I call on all of you to build consensus through dialogue, and to create solutions through common understanding. Under the umbrella of the UPU, our common house, let's transform this momentum of opportunities into actions for the benefits of all.

Thank you for your kind attention.