Arab Postal Leaders Forum

UPU Arab Postal Leaders Forum
February 12
 – February 14
UPU

Theme: “Arab Posts: On track towards digital transformation and innovation”


Day 1 – Monday, 12 February 2024

09.00–09.30  Registration and welcome
09.30–10.30   Opening ceremony
10.30–11.00    Group photo
11.00–11.15    Exploring the theme “Arab Posts: On track towards digital transformation and innovation”

  • Marjan Osvald, UPU Deputy Director General

11.15–12.45   The digital economy and the postal sector

Digital technologies and sustainable development are transforming business models, including the postal industry, and are high priorities for governments pursuing economic growth. Posts can play a key role in the development of inclusive access to the services of the digital economy, including e-commerce, e-government, e-health, e-identification and e-finance.

12.45–13.30   Solutions to address the discussed challenges
Lunch break
15.00–16.30   E-commerce, the driving force behind digital transformation in Posts

Digitalization is transforming economic activities and boosting growth around the world. Digital technologies have a bearing on the prospects for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in global trade through e-commerce. The panel will discuss e-commerce development in the Arab region: digitalization requirements, key success factors for logistics operators, and strategic partnership opportunities between postal operators and e-commerce platforms.

16.30–17.15   Solutions to address the discussed challenges


Day 2 – Tuesday, 13 February 2024

09.00–10.30   Round table on Connect.post: infrastructure for digital services

Connectivity and digital infrastructure are critical for a successful digital transformation. This panel will explore the following key elements:

  • Infrastructure development
  • Mobilizing investment in digital postal infrastructure
  • Partners for impact

10.30–11.15   Solutions to address the discussed challenges

11.15–12.45   Round table on Connect.post: digital transformation enablers

Once there is access to connectivity and digital infrastructure, several key elements have to be addressed to advance an inclusive digital transformation:

  • Capacity building
  • Diversification of digital services adoption
  • Partners for impact

12.45–13.30   Solutions to address the discussed challenges
Lunch break
15.00–16.30   Cybersecurity: securing postal infrastructure – how to get it right?

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant rise in cyber threats targeting commercial organizations and national infrastructures. With the increased digitalization of the economy and postal services comes an increased risk. These attacks pose a serious threat to the integrity, confidentiality and availability of essential postal services. How do we build harmonized and collaborative protection between sectors? How do we foster secure and sustainable digitalization of Posts?

The session aims to:

  • Raise awareness about escalating cybersecurity threats
  • Foster collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders to enhance the overall cybersecurity situation
  • Identify best practices, technologies and policies to strengthen the resilience of postal systems against cyber threats

16.30–17.15   Solutions to address the discussed challenges


Day 3 – Wednesday, 14 February 2024

9.00–11.00   Innovation partnerships

This session aims to explore strategies, share best practices, and foster meaningful collaborations that can enhance the delivery of efficient and innovative digital services. The session will:

  • Highlight the importance of partnerships in driving successful digital transformation in public infrastructure
  • Identify best practices and lessons learned from successful partnership models across various domains: postal sector, international organizations and private sector
  • Explore innovative strategies and technologies that can be leveraged for digital infrastructure development and service delivery

11.00–13.00   CEO round table

The final round table aims to bring together participants in a dialogue to define the key elements of digital transformation and diversification of services in the region.

13.00–13.30   Muscat Declaration and closing