UPU News : UN chief says postal services vital to global development

27.09.2013 - In a video message delivered ahead of World Post Day, celebrated annually on 9 October, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlights the role of postal services as “engines of trade, development and growth.” 

Ban Ki-moon at the UPU in 2008 for a meeting of the UN Chief Executive Board

The head of the United Nations Organization calls on national governments to use the “tremendous potential” of their postal networks to reach out to their citizens and bridge the gaps in today’s information society.

Recalling the enduring value of the daily post in an increasingly digital age, Ban says postal services go beyond physical mail and are adapting and redefining themselves for a 21^st-century communication landscape.

Indeed, Posts help bring people into the financial fold, says Ban, referring to the financial services being increasingly offered by them. Posts also foster commercial trade, especially with the increasing popularity of e-commerce and online shopping, he says.

“Postal services make an important contribution to our shared efforts to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable future for all,” concludes the secretary-general.

World Post Day is celebrated annually on 9 October, the day the Universal Postal Union was created 139 years ago in Berne, Switzerland, by 22 founding countries.

One of the world’s oldest international organization, the UPU now has 192 member countries and has been a specialized agency of the United Nations since 1948.

Source : http://news.upu.int