The United Arab Emirates, represented by 7X, took part in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) meetings held in Bern, Switzerland. These sessions marked the beginning of a new term for both the UPU Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council, following the successful conclusion of the 28th Universal Postal Congress, which was hosted in Dubai in September.
The UAE delegation was headed by Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X and Chairman of the UPU Council of Administration for the 2026–2029 cycle. Al Wahedi presided over the Council of Administration’s first meeting for the new term. As the UPU’s top supervisory body, the council is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Congress decisions and policies, and for approving new mechanisms that support the goals of the UPU’s “Dubai Strategy 2026–2029.”
The meeting agenda centred on strengthening governance structures, advancing financial reform, accelerating digital integration among member states, and improving inclusion in developing countries. It also examined the implementation framework of the new strategy to ensure alignment with rapid changes in the digital economy and global supply chains.
Discussions further covered the establishment of committees and technical working groups, as well as the introduction of performance monitoring and evaluation tools for use during the upcoming “Dubai Cycle.”
The UAE’s leadership of the UPU Council of Administration highlights its significant role in promoting a highly integrated, efficient and sustainable global postal ecosystem, while reinforcing its position as a leading international hub for logistics, eCommerce and smart services.
The UAE also participated in meetings of the Postal Operations Council, which addressed technical, operational and commercial elements of the postal sector, including new settlement systems, improvements in service quality, enhanced facilitation of cross-border eCommerce, and the integration of digital platforms.
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.
“We believe that the future of postal services will not rest on moving letters and parcels, but on transmitting data and knowledge, and connecting communities with opportunity.”
The UAE’s involvement and the responsibilities it has assumed at these meetings reflect its vital role in shaping the future of the international postal and logistics landscape.
They also underscore the nation’s enduring dedication to digital transformation and government innovation, consistent with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to position the country as a global hub for connectivity, trade and knowledge exchange.
(Inputs from WAM)
