The UNI Apro Post & Logistics sector successfully held its 6th Sector Conference on 16 and 17 September 2021 virtually.
The conference saw the strong participation of 90 delegates, guests, and observers and was supported by 20 UNI and UNI Apro staff.
Wu Wen-Feng, CPWU, Taiwan, hosted the event as Vice-President of UNI Apro Post & Logistics. He was joined in the opening by Dave Ward, President of UNI Global Post & Logistics (CWU, UK), Christy Hoffman, UNI General Secretary, who conveyed their fraternal greetings to the Post & Logistics affiliates in the Asia and Pacific region.
The speakers praised the contribution and sacrifice of all postal workers for putting themselves forward to ensure people remain connected through letters and can still obtain essential goods during the pandemic.
They also expressed appreciation for the continuous support of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU), which renewed its MOU of cooperation with UNI Apro Post & Logistics, signed virtually on 11 December 2020. The APPU was represented by its Course Director, Ms. Yu Yan, who kindly contributed to “Transformation in Digital Economy” at the conference panel on day 2.
The speakers also thanked Mr. Mitsugi Masuda for his commendable service and contribution as UNI Apro Post and Logistics President. He has stepped down from the position following his retirement from JPGU earlier in June 2021.
Cornelia Berger, Head of UNI Post & Logistics extended high praises to the affiliates for keeping the world running while fighting hard to keep their members safe during the pandemic. These efforts reflected the unique universal characteristic of postal services that contribute to economic and social inclusion, regional cohesion and consumer protection and have a political and social role.
With the pandemic crisis accelerating the trends that were originally expected to happen in the next 15 years, she urged P&L unions to strengthen and develop the existing networks to develop the necessary vision and innovative ideas to meet the challenges head on.
The keynote address delivered by UNI Apro Regional Secretary Rajendra Acharya highlighted UNI Apro’s “Building Forward” vision of an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future driven by a human-centred approach to recovery from the pandemic.
The significant elements of the plan are incorporated into the strategic priorities identified in the UNI Apro Post and Logistics Action Plan 2021-2025.
Three critical strategies listed in the Action Plan formed the framework for the conference session discussions.
The panels were animated with the generous sharing of the affiliates. The topics reaffirmed the importance of public postal services during the COVID-19, the impact of digitalisation, and the need for diversification and greener ways in the sector. And most importantly, the organising efforts need to be kept up to stop the race to the bottom and to build and empower P&L unions to shape a fairer and more equal future for all P&L workers.
The conference also dedicated a session to raise the profile of women and youth at the regional level in line with the policy decisions adopted at the UNI Post & Logistics World Conference.
The conference confirmed the election of Mr. Yukinori Ishikawa, JPGU Japan, as the new President of the UNI Apro Post & Logistics sector. He will also be the Vice President of the UNI Post & Logistics Global Union Steering Committee representing UNI Apro Post & Logistics.
