From Penny Black to crypto stamps – for over 180 years, postage stamps have been driving the incessant enthusiasm of thousands of collectors and historians around the world. An essential element of postal communications, historical artefacts and works of art – what makes this little piece of paper so attractive and relevant? In the new episode of Voice Mail, Dr Cheryl Ganz, Smithsonian Curator of Philately Emerita and the author of numerous philatelic books, articles and publications, reveals the story behind the reboot of the National Postal Museum, and reflects on the role and the physical and digital future of postal museums and philately.

Episode 2: Why is the postage stamp still relevant?

In Saudi Arabia, a young and ambitious country strategically positioned at the intersection of three continents, the postal sector shares the dynamism, ambition, and boldness of the nation’s Vision 2030. In recent years, the country’s postal services have undergone profound transformations, including transferring the authority for the sector from the Ministry of Communications to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, allowing data to take centre stage in setting postal strategy, diversifying the post into healthcare, and supporting government services for improved quality of life. These strides do not only dramatically increase the postal value proposition to customers, making the post more relevant, but they also put Saudi Post in the spotlight as a regional leader and an interesting global success story. The post views seizing the opportunities of digital transformation, using technology in new and creative ways, and forging forward-looking partnerships as fundamental elements in the success of its new business model. 

Just a few days ahead of the historic UPU Extraordinary Congress in Riyadh, Ian Kerr spoke to H.E. Anef Abanomi, President of Saudi Post, about how the postal operator is turning into a touchpoint between government agencies, businesses and their customers, what digitalization has to do with it, and what hosting the global postal community means to the country.

Episode 23: Saudi Post – Customers’ touchpoint with the future

In 2019, Austrian Post disrupted the centuries-old philatelic market with the issuance of the world’s first crypto stamps. With its unique credit card shape, particular unicorn design, and special security features, crypto stamp 1.0 was well-met by collectors, selling out within days and changing the world of philately forever. Yet, its association with blockchain and vague connection to cryptocurrencies, notorious for their volatility, did not let the innovation escape controversy, especially when it comes to protecting and harmonizing the newly born and rapidly growing field of digital philately. 

Four years and numerous crypto stamp issues later, the UPU invited the team behind their creation – Patricia Lieberman, Head of Philately at Austrian Post, and Michael Dorner, CEO of a crypto stamp manufacturer and UPU Consultative Committee member, Stampfinity – to recount the story behind the production of the famous unicorn stamp and the challenges of introducing innovation to a highly traditional field. On a special double Voice Mail podcast episode, we talk about the meticulous process of finding the right product to meet market needs, the intricate technology behind crypto stamps, changes in collector demographics, and the importance of collaboration and standards for successfully revitalizing the postal industry.

Episode 24: Pioneering philately – Bringing to life the world’s first crypto stamp

Technology and integration are redefining the postal market. In quest of ways to diversify their services and remain competitive, posts, big and small, are forging new partnerships and adopting unconventional, high-tech solutions which help them generate new revenue streams and improve customer experience. 

In October 2023, the UPU brought together seasoned postal experts and senior executives within a new format of its World Leaders Forum to get a first-hand account of this new postal reality, the solutions that work and the challenges that remain. On the sidelines of the Forum, UPU Voice Mail host, Ian Kerr, spoke to postal CEOs and UPU Consultative Committee members about the future of logistics and how public-private collaboration can make it brighter for everyone. 

On this special podcast edition, Tawnee Steinke, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Zonos, identifies three main trends that are going to change cross-border logistics; Charles Brewer, CEO of Pos Malaysia, shares his experience of pioneering green technologies in the country and driving change in the broader market; and Mariella Buisson, CEO of Seychelles Postal Services, explains how small postal operators can use technology to become a one-stop shop for citizens.

Episode 25: Blueprints for lasting innovation

The evolution of cross-border communication has undoubtedly shaped the world as we know it today. The fast increase and diversification of communication flows, socioeconomic globalization, and growing migration and mobility would hardly sustain without innovative political arrangements and new ways of international cooperation. In 1874, the newly founded Universal Postal Union not only harmonized these processes, making exchanges easier, cheaper and safer, but, together with the International Telegraph Union, stood at the origin of global multilateral governance. Throughout years, the UPU endured crises, wars, economic instability, health, climate, and other types of emergencies, while working to keep its original promise of facilitating communication between peoples in the face of a rapidly changing world.

The upcoming UPU historians’ colloquium presents the first-ever opportunity for the postal and academic communities to come together to reflect on the global past of the UPU. We spoke with Dr Léonard Laborie, Historian at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR SIRICE, one of the colloquium’s co-organizers, about how and why the UPU emerged as a forerunner of global connectivity, how it shaped and was shaped by international politics, and why cooperation among postal operators will remain the key to the organization’s lasting vitality.

Episode 26: The forerunner of connectivity – UPU 150th anniversary special edition

According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 (World Economic Forum), not a single country has yet achieved gender equality. While some countries approach it, sharp disparities persist at the global level, making it imperative not only to accelerate overall progress, but also to help those lagging behind catch up. More than a decade ago, Australia took an important and exceptional step in this direction by creating a dedicated foreign service position to advocate for gender equality outside its borders. 

Considering gender equality as a crosscutting issue, Australia also takes an active stance in advancing the women’s empowerment agenda in various international fora, including the UPU. By putting forward a number of initiatives and innovations, including nominating a UPU Gender Equality Champion, the country is demonstrating its interest in discussing gender equality in the post, as well as its readiness to take the lead in making it happen. 

For its annual International Women’s Day special, Voice Mail has invited Stephanie Copus Campbell, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, to talk about her wide-ranging portfolio and how the postal sector plays into it. In a conversation with Ian Kerr, she explains why, despite setbacks and challenges, fighting for gender equality will benefit all.

Episode 27: Gender equality, a right and smart thing to do

How to keep the art of writing alive in an era when all communication is done digitally? Once indispensable for distance communication, letter writing used to serve as an important educational tool that developed children’s cognitive and creative capacities, teaching them how to organize and articulate their thoughts. As a more humane and empathetic means of exchange, letters also used to facilitate international connections in spite of differences – something the world increasingly needs today and which is harder to attain through digital messaging only.

Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024, the UPU partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to ask children from around the world about their vision of and hopes for the future through the UPU’s flagship International Letter-Writing Competition. Just a few weeks ahead of the deadline for submissions, the UPU sat with June Kunugi, Director of Public Partnerships at UNICEF, a professional journalist, and one of the competition’s jury members, to discuss how the initiative supports UNICEF’s mission to advocate for children’s rights. In this latest episode of Voice Mail, Kunugi highlights how UNICEF’s engagement in the competition will help increase opportunities for children in the most disadvantaged and remote communities, how to turn the risks of technology into new opportunities for youth’s engagement and empowerment, and how we should all work together to ensure that the voice of every child is pronounced and listened to.

Episode 28: For every child, a voice

In an era defined by technological transformation and shifting economic landscapes, the challenge of ensuring equitable global development has never been greater. Trade, when facilitated effectively, can be a powerful tool to bridge divides and foster sustainable growth, but only if all countries – especially developing ones – can participate fully.

Ahead of its 60th anniversary, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is leading the charge to make global trade more inclusive. In this episode of Voice Mail, we sit down with Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD’s Secretary-General, to explore how the organization is supporting developing countries in navigating the complexities of the digital economy and ensuring no one is left behind. Grynspan discusses how UNCTAD’s collaboration with partners like the UPU is helping to reduce barriers for small businesses and empower women entrepreneurs through initiatives like eTrade for Women. Grynspan is certain: even in the rapidly changing world, trade can remain a force for good, if we ensure that the weakest can also have a seat at the table.

Episode 29: Leading the future of fair and inclusive trade

Illicit drug trafficking is a shadowy industry with devastating impacts: depleting socioeconomic resources, disrupting trade, fuelling corruption, and eroding social cohesion. Its ripple effects extend across health systems, public infrastructure, and even the environment – deforestation and soil degradation are just some of its hidden casualties. In 2024, nearly 300 million people worldwide were reported to use drugs (UNODC), underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action.

This transnational challenge evolves rapidly, with traffickers exploiting ever-changing routes, methods, and substances – most alarmingly, synthetic opioids. These potent drugs, traded in minute quantities, are hardly detectable, presenting unprecedented challenges for enforcement agencies.

In this episode of Voice Mail, Ian Kerr speaks with Jagjit Pavadia, Board Member and former President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), to uncover how global cooperation can outpace criminal ingenuity. Pavadia shares insights into international partnerships, innovative technologies, and the critical role of the postal network in combatting illicit trafficking. From risk profiling and real-time intelligence sharing to training postal operators to detect illegal substances – even hidden in the heels of stiletto shoes – this episode explores actionable solutions to a pressing global crisis.

Episode 30: One step ahead: Turning the tide in the fight against illegal drug trafficking

With 80% of cross-border e-commerce transported by air, air cargo is a cornerstone of global trade. Beyond enabling these economically vital exchanges, air transport fosters development, creates jobs, improves infrastructure, and drives global connectivity. Since its founding in 1945, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has played a key role in shaping the air transport industry. Representing 320 airlines and 83% of global air traffic, IATA focuses on setting global standards, improving operational efficiency, and addressing the evolving challenges of the aviation sector. Its partnership with the UPU is nearly as old as IATA itself. For seven decades, the two organizations have worked together to align postal and aviation processes, address safety and security concerns, and enhance the seamless exchange of data across the supply chain.

In this episode of Voice Mail, André Majeres, Head of E-Commerce and Cargo Operations at IATA, explores how air cargo underpins cross-border e-commerce, a market projected to account for one in three parcels globally by 2027. He discusses IATA’s key priorities – safety, security, digitalization, and sustainability – and emphasizes that open collaboration among all supply chain stakeholders, innovation, and seamless integration are essential to the persistent vitality and relevance of post-airline cooperation.

Episode 31: Reimagining air transport for the digital age

Seventy percent of the Earth is covered by the Ocean, yet only 26% of the seafloor has been mapped, and just 25% of marine species have been identified. This highlights how little we truly know about the Ocean – and even that limited knowledge is constantly evolving due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss. 

Why does understanding the Ocean matter so much? 

In the latest episode of VoiceMail, Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, shares his perspective on why it is vital for us to "face the Ocean". He highlights the critical need for advancing ocean science globally to inform policy, guide sustainable development and respond to pressing challenges for the future of our planet, including through strengthening Ocean literacy across all countries. 

Vidar Helgesen also discusses his role as a jury member for this year’s International Letter-Writing Competition, organized in partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and offers insights into what he'll be looking for as both an Ocean expert and a writing enthusiast.

Episode 32: Why Ocean science needs a truly global effort

UPU is the UN specialized agency for postal services working with 192 member countries to create the postal network of the future.

Episode 2: Why is the postage stamp still relevant?

Universal Postal Union

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