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Over the past few years, widespread access to broadband Internet and the development of smartphones and tablets have dramatically changed the behavioural habits of citizens and businesses alike. But what does the future hold? Will the changes level off and lead to a crystallization of a new type of behaviour? Or will technology continue its disruptive effects at even greater speed? These questions are relevant to the UPU and the postal sector, as the decline in core postal activities could accelerate and oblige postal operators to look for new business models. The impact of the communication and technological revolution on postal policy development will also be addressed in this first session.
Whether economic, environmental or security-related, crises can have a huge impact on the economy at a time of lean, global supply chains. Panellists will focus on what type of risk-management policies and guidelines the postal sector should use to deal with these situations. The fact that crises, for example economic ones, can also open up opportunities will be discussed. Finally, the postal sector’s role in overcoming multi-faceted crises will be explored.
Remarks by Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (via video)
Inclusive economic growth in public policies has been high on the international agenda. For example, there has been increased focus on the need to facilitate access to financial services for people not otherwise in a position to open a bank account. What are the benefits and limits of financial inclusion? How can financial inclusion contribute to improving the lives of migrants? Beyond these questions, the discussions will also cover the role Posts and the UPU play in fostering inclusion through trade and the development of efficient addressing systems.
Remarks by H.R.H. Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, United Nations Secretary - General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (via video link)
Building on the discussions of the first three sessions, the panellists will discuss what the world will look like in 2020 in terms of the economy, international relations and technology. Most importantly, the panellists will discuss the role and place of the Post and the UPU in this context.
Edouard Dayan, UPU Director General