The Universal Postal Union

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was established in 1874, with its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland. It serves as the primary forum for cooperation among postal sector stakeholders and helps ensure a truly global network of modern products and services.

This specialized agency of the United Nations, with a membership of 192 countries, plays an advisory, mediating, and liaison role, providing technical assistance when needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchange and offers recommendations to stimulate growth in mail volume and improve service quality for customers.

As a non-political organization, it does not interfere in matters that fall within the domestic scope of national postal services. For example, postal authorities set their own stamp prices, decide which stamps to issue and how many, and manage their postal operations and staff.

As an intergovernmental institution, the Universal Postal Union is called upon to play a significant role in promoting the continuous revitalization of postal services.