The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has postponed its 27th Universal Postal Congress until August 2021 when it will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Commenting on the decision, director general of UPU, Bishar Hussein, said, “I am pleased that the spirit of consensus—the historic cornerstone of UPU’s global efforts—has enabled member countries to reach agreement on a new Congress date.”
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic had created exceptional circumstances for all international organizations, but the decision to hold the Congress in Abidjan in 2021 was the right one. The UPU head said the decision would allow the Côte d’Ivoire government—the original 2020 host—another opportunity to hold the high- profile event.
The decision was made at an exceptional meeting of the Council of Administration (CA) – the body supervising UPU’s work in the four-year period between Congresses – held on October 26-27. Representatives of the 41 member countries that sit on the CA could either physically or remotely attend the meeting, which was held at UPU’s headquarters in Bern, Switzerland.
During opening remarks, Hussein said, “I urge [the CA] to be guided by the global pandemic situation; the need to make important decisions to facilitate the continuity of the work of the Union; and the position of the host country, who has consistently confirmed their commitment to host the Congress as soon as conditions permit.”