A Congress every four years and a seat at Berne: the Universal Postal Union

Background

Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the second oldest international organization worldwide. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players: it sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers. Any member country of the United Nations may become a member of the UPU; a country that is not a United Nations member may join provided that its request is approved by at least two-thirds of the member countries of the UPU. Congress is the supreme authority of the UPU and meets every four years. The Council of Administration ensures the continuity of the UPU's work between Congresses, supervises its activities and studies regulatory, administrative, legislative and legal issues. The Postal Operations Council, described by the UPU as the technical and operational mind of the organisation, consists of 48 member countries elected during Congress. The International Bureau fulfils a secretariat function, providing logistical and technical support to the UPU's bodies.