The 27^th Universal Postal Congress opened with the ceremony performed by ballet dancers from the National Ballet Company of Côte d'Ivoire celebrating the diversity and culture of the world’s five major continents.

The Director General of the Universal Postal Union Bishar A. Hussein commended the postal sector and the postal workers who worked tirelessly and courageously during the pandemic. “In the last 18 months”, he said, “the international postal sector has experienced incredible change, with some governments declaring the post as a critical infrastructure. In many administrations, governments used the post to deliver essential services including Covid-19 medicine and vaccines.”

In the following days, the UPU member countries are expected to adopt the new World Postal Strategy – a roadmap for the new work cycle beginning in 2022, and reach a decision on new rules and policies on the international exchange of postal items.

During the Congress, member countries will also elect the next UPU director general and deputy director general for the period 2021-2025.

The 27th Universal Postal Congress, taking place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, will last till August 27^th 2021, and can be followed live at: tv.upu.int.