Stamps issued in support of the Nairobi Congress
At least five African countries have recently issued postage stamps to support the organization of the 24th Universal Postal Congress, to be held in Nairobi (Kenya) from 13 August to 3 September 2008. South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Nigeria and Tanzania will give Kenya half of the proceeds from the sale of these stamps. Kenya is also taking part in this effort, intended not only to raise funds but also to announce the Congress throughout the continent. The different stamp sets issued feature African costumes, the Congress logo and different animal species.
Kenya presented the stamps to UPU member countries during the Council of Administration session, now taking place in Berne (Switzerland). Bitange NDEMO, Kenya’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications said: “I am extremely delighted that our brothers and sisters from Africa have joined us in this endeavour in the true spirit of African solidarity. All of Africa is preparing for this event.” The host country is receiving the support and assistance of a committee set up for the occasion. For South Africa’s Lyndall SHOPE-MAFOLE, who chairs this African Support Committee, “the Nairobi Congress should bring changes for postal sector development and efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The postal network is a key infrastructure that will provide access to new information technologies.” UPU Director General Edouard DAYAN also praised the solidarity among countries. “The pride that not only Kenya, but the whole of Africa is attaching to this event is applaudable, and I believe we can look forward to a real African experience in Nairobi next year. Next year’s Congress will again offer us the opportunity to confirm the strong sense of solidarity that exists among all our members”.
The Universal Postal Congress is the supreme authority of the UPU, bringing together plenipotentiaries from its 191 member countries. It meets every four years. Although Congress’s main function is legislative, the recent trend has been to focus more on broader strategic policy issues.
