The first Asia Pacific Postal Leaders Forum (19 -21 March 2025) was inaugurated in Jaipur, today by Ms Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts). Secretary (Posts) Ms Vandita Kaul in her address reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the global postal ecosystem. Ms Kaul emphasized the need for postal administrations to leverage technology, improve logistics capabilities, and enhance last-mile connectivity to serve communities better. The Asia Pacific Postal Leaders Meet will serve as an important platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and exploring new opportunities for growth in the postal sector. India’s role as the host country further emphasizes its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening the global postal network.

The event brings together top postal officials and stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific region to discuss key issues facing the postal sector, share best practices, and explore opportunities for deeper regional collaboration.

On the inaugural day, the Secretary General of the Asian Pacific Postal Union Mr. Vinaya Prakash Singh delivered an address on the role of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the postal sector. Additionally, a panel discussion explored South-South and triangular cooperation and India’s UN development fund. The day also featured session on Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) which explored capacity building through India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. India’s UN development fund and ITEC Program were well received by the audience and generated significant interest. The ITEC Programme has been instrumental in providing skill development opportunities for professionals across various sectors, including postal services. The day ended with discussions on financial inclusion and the role of postal financial services in driving access to financial services, particularly for underserved communities.

The Asia Pacific Postal Leaders Forum will focus on a wide range of critical topics that are shaping the future of the postal services in the region. Discussions will center on the evolving role of postal services in the digital age, with particular attention to enhancing financial inclusion, strengthening postal networks, and expanding the e-commerce capabilities of postal systems. The meet will also examine innovative logistical solutions, including the potential of drone delivery and other advanced technologies that are transforming the postal landscape.

In the coming two days, there will be a focus on e-commerce, with leaders discussing how postal networks can support and enhance cross-border e-commerce among Asia-Pacific countries. Another panel will delve into innovative middle-mile and last-mile delivery solutions, including the integration of drones, interoperable transport systems, and air conveyance to ensure faster and more efficient delivery. Another session will focus on India Post’s ongoing IT modernization efforts, particularly its introduction of the Digital Address Code, which is enhancing the reach and efficiency of postal services. A dedicated panel will also examine the vital role of post offices in providing government and social services, ensuring the delivery of welfare benefits and services to rural and remote areas. The event will also feature a field visit to a rural area, allowing participants to witness the digital provision of government and social services through the postal network. Delegates will also visit the Postal Fair/Dak Panchayat, providing them with a firsthand look at how postal services are empowering rural communities and improving access to essential services.

 

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