India Re-elected toUniversal Postal Union Councils

India re-elected to the Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Syllabus: International Organisations / Global Governance (UPSC Prelims)
Source: News on Air

Why in News?

India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union during the 28th UPU Congress held in Dubai.

About UPU

Definition: A specialized UN agency and the main forum for international postal cooperation.
Members: Connects 192 countries through a universal postal network.
Founded: 1874 (Treaty of Bern).
Headquarters: Berne, Switzerland.
Significance: Second oldest international organization after the ITU.

Aim

Promote global postal cooperation and smooth international mail exchange.
Develop modern, reliable, and affordable postal services worldwide.
Support growth in parcels, mail, and postal financial services.

Governance Structure

Congress: Supreme authority; meets every 4 years to set strategy and policies.
Council of Administration (CA): Handles policy, legal, and administrative issues between Congress sessions.
Postal Operations Council (POC): Technical and operational body with 48 elected members; drives postal modernization.
International Bureau: Secretariat providing logistical and technical support.

Key Functions

Rule-Setting: Defines global postal standards and regulations.
Advisory & Mediation: Resolves disputes and promotes cooperation.
Technical Assistance: Helps countries modernize postal services.
Capacity Building: Improves quality, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
Global Integration: Ensures interoperability and supports growth of e-commerce and cross-border logistics.