UPU aims to speed up decision-making processes
The Universal Postal Union has told members it will undergo a “fundamental review” to respond better to member countries’ requirements. The Swiss-based UN-affiliated agency supporting the global network of universal postal service providers made the pledge at a conference organised by its regional satellite, the Pan African Postal Union, at the start of the month.
UPU director general Bishar Hussein said the organisation needed to change to cope with the changing needs of postal administrations in Africa as they adapt to changing communication trends among their customers.
“There is an urgent need for quick decision-making processes in UPU that will provide more flexible responses to those changing needs,” he said.
The conference in Khartoum, Sudan, saw discussions that began the process of developing the UPU’s next global postal strategy, for 2017 to 2020, which is set to be adopted at the UPU Congress in 2016.
Younouss Djibrine, PAPU secretary general, said measures must be taken to ensure universal postal services adapt to the evolving market and changing customer needs.
This includes improving quality of service for domestic and international mail, offering new financial services and e-services, revamping regulation and addressing infrastructure deficits.
Quality and innovation
The UPU said African Posts are looking to improve their quality of services in the coming years despite a host of challenges. More than a fifth of African post offices did not have electricity in 2013.
Infrastructure improvements will be needed if Posts in the region can meet demands for new financial services that could help support the universal service.
Hussein said: “Posts in Africa must display the same pioneering spirit they have always shown and harness the power of innovation to adapt to customers’ new communication needs.
“Innovation, integration and inclusion stand out clearly as the drivers of the postal sector in the future,” he added.
The Khartoum conference heard that Posts in Africa are working to meet the global standard for international letter post, where delivery must be achieved within five days of posting, for 85% of items.
The UPU said that in a region where there is “strong” private sector competition, posts discussed whether existing regulation reflected the current market situation accurately and did not leave Posts at a relative disadvantage.
