UPU

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a United Nations specialized agency that coordinates international postal services and sets the rules for cross-border mail. Its origins lie in the General Postal Union established by the Bern Convention of 1874; it was later renamed the Universal Postal Union and became a UN specialized agency in 1948. The UPU is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, and operates through its International Bureau, the organization’s secretariat.

Membership includes nearly all sovereign states, with 192 member states as of recent years, plus associated members and observers from related organizations. The UPU brings together national postal operators to ensure the smooth exchange of international mail and the application of common standards.

Functions and standards: The UPU develops and maintains international postal conventions and regulations that govern cross-border mail, including the Universal Postal Convention. It standardizes procedures for mail exchange, rates (notably terminal dues), and service levels; provides guidelines for addressing and classification; and aims to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable international mail. The organization also supports the modernization of postal networks, promotes the universal service obligation, and assists in incorporating e-commerce and digital services into cross-border postal operations.

Structure and governance: The UPU’s supreme decision-making body is the Congress, which generally meets every four years. Between Congresses, policy is overseen by the Council of Administration and the Council of Postal Affairs, with the International Bureau serving as the Secretariat and led by a Director General.

Role in the global system: The UPU coordinates with member states, postal operators, and other international organizations to harmonize policies, share best practices, and address issues affecting international mail flows and universal postal service.