The 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai
Participation of the Vatican Delegation
The 28th Universal Postal Congress, the supreme decision-making body of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)—a United Nations agency that coordinates and regulates the global postal system—is currently taking place in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Among the participants is Vatican City State, represented by an official delegation led by Antonino Intersimone, Director of the Directorate of Telecommunications and IT Services, accompanied by Fr. Felice Bruno (FDP), Head of the Vatican Post and Philately Service, and Vincenzo Marrese.
The Congress was officially opened on September 8, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. During the opening ceremony, a commemorative postal cancellation issued for the occasion was presented, designed by Emirati artist Yasmin Al Mulla. The design celebrates culture as a universal language and pays tribute to the evolution of postal services in the UAE.
The event has brought together over 2,200 delegates, both in person and online, underscoring the global significance and inclusive nature of the gathering.
In the ongoing plenary sessions, the Chairmen of the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council reviewed the goals achieved through the key initiatives outlined at the previous Congress, held in Abidjan in 2021. They also announced the new four-year UPU strategy, called the “Dubai Strategy,” which will guide the organization from 2026 to 2029. The strategy’s main pillars include: improving service quality, inclusivity, accelerating digital transformation and sustainability.
Key discussions are focusing on expanding postal financial services, adopting clean energy, strengthening cybersecurity, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in e-commerce. At the conclusion of the decision-making process, updated regulations on postal exchanges and remuneration systems will be adopted.
On the sidelines of the Congress, the UAE Pavilion was also inaugurated—a space featuring a narrative postal museum tracing the journey from handwritten correspondence to innovative digital services and modern delivery methods (drones, robots). It also hosts technology companies, logistics operators, and areas dedicated to stamp collectors. The Pavilion serves as a meeting point for state postal representatives and private companies throughout the Congress.
During their stay, the Vatican delegation is also participating in the liturgical celebrations at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The Congress will continue until September 19, concluding with the election of UPU leadership positions and the signing of the final regulatory acts.
