The 25th Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has begun today, 24 September 2012 in Doha, Qatar. Representing the organisation's 192 member countries, more than 1,500 delegates, together with observers and guests, are expected to attend the meeting, with eight committees focusing on a range of technical and regulatory issues. The last week of the conference will be devoted to plenary sessions. The Congress closes on 15 October 2012.
In addition to the adoption of the World Postal Strategy, which will act as a guide to all members and to the bodies of the UPU during the intervening four-year cycle before the next Congress, proposals will be discussed on the following themes:
- reform of the Union, with a view to regulatory, market and operational developments occurring in the postal sector in recent years;
- matters related to the organizational restructuring of the Union's two Councils;
- budgetary issues for the next cycle;
- terminal dues system.
As usual during the UPU Congress, elections will be held for the positions Of Director General - post being contended by a candidate from Uruguay, Serrana Bassini Casco, and a candidate from Kenya, Bishar A. Hussein - and of Deputy Director General, a post being contended by a Swiss candidate, Pascal Clivaz, and an American candidate, Dennis Delehanty. These elections will take place on 10 October.
Elections will also be held for the two UPU Councils: the Council of Administration, which ensures the continuity of the UPU's work between Congresses, supervises its activities and studies regulatory, administrative, legislative and legal issues; and the Postal Operations Council, which deals with operational, technical, economic and commercial issues. Portugal has put forward its candidacy to the Council of Administration, seeking to increase the country's participation in the UPU's activities.
Additionally, a high-level conference is planned for 8 October, in order to discuss topics such as the evolution of postal services given the continuing advances in technology and the postal sector's role in achieving economic and social inclusion.
Further information:
- 25th Universal Postal Congress ''New world, new strategy'' http://dohacongress.upu.int/
