On September 19, 2025 (local time), the two-week-long 28th Universal Postal Congress, the supreme authority of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), came to a close in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Director General Masahiko Metoki of the International Bureau of the UPU attended the closing ceremony and delivered a speech. “This Congress has been more than a gathering. It has been a moment of transformation, during which we faced challenges head-on, redefined our role in a rapidly changing world, and reaffirmed the values that unite us”, he said.

On September 18, during the election of member countries of the Postal Operations Council (POC) for the 2026-2029 cycle at the 28th Universal Postal Congress, China was elected as a member of the POC with 134 votes. Japan’s Masahiko Metoki and Slovenia’s Marjan Osvald were re-elected respectively as the Director General and Deputy Director General of the International Bureau. Zhang Yiming, China’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, signed the newly revised Acts of the UPU on behalf of the Chinese government.

A total of 169 member countries participated in this Congress, which reviewed and adopted the UPU’s Strategy (2026-2029) and the Dubai Business Plan. The strategy proposes a new vision for the UPU, targeting its role in building a society that is interconnected, inclusive and sustainable, empowered by a seamless, innovative postal network. The Congress also deliberated on key issues such as member countries’ contributions, expenditure ceilings, development and cooperation, regulatory policies, climate actions, products and rates.