
The Postal Union Congress is a significant event that brings together postal leaders from around the world. It's a platform for them to discuss and address the challenges facing the postal industry.
The Congress is organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The UPU has been promoting international cooperation in the postal sector since 1874.
The Congress provides a unique opportunity for postal leaders to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences. It's also a chance for them to set the agenda for the future of the postal industry.
Delegates from over 180 countries attend the Congress, making it a truly global gathering.
What are Extraordinary Congresses?
Extraordinary Congresses are special gatherings of the Universal Postal Union that take place outside of the regular Congress cycle. These events have been held since 1900.
The first Extraordinary Congress was held in Bern, Switzerland, in 1900 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UPU. This marked a significant milestone in the organization's history.
The following Extraordinary Congresses were held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2018 to discuss the sustainability of the postal sector, and in Geneva, Switzerland in 2019 to discuss the remuneration of small packets.
Here's a list of the Extraordinary Congresses:
Definition
An Extraordinary Congress is a special meeting of the European Parliament that allows for urgent decisions to be made outside of the regular legislative schedule.
These meetings can be convened by the President of the European Parliament in exceptional circumstances, such as a major crisis or emergency.
The purpose of an Extraordinary Congress is to address pressing issues that require immediate attention and action.
The European Parliament has the power to hold Extraordinary Congresses, but they are relatively rare and usually reserved for situations where speed and flexibility are essential.
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Purpose
Extraordinary Congresses are gatherings of people from various walks of life, convened to address pressing issues and make collective decisions. They can be held in different formats, such as online or in-person meetings.

The primary goal of an Extraordinary Congress is to bring people together to discuss and decide on important matters, often with the aim of finding solutions to complex problems. This can be especially useful for communities facing crises or conflicts.
Extraordinary Congresses can be initiated by individuals, organizations, or even governments, and can be structured in various ways to suit the needs of the group. For example, some may use a consensus-based decision-making process.
The output of an Extraordinary Congress can be a set of recommendations, a plan of action, or even a new policy or law. In some cases, the outcomes can be binding, while in others they may be advisory.
By bringing people together and facilitating open discussion, Extraordinary Congresses can help build trust, foster collaboration, and promote collective ownership of solutions.
Types of Extraordinary Congresses
Extraordinary Congresses come in different forms, each with its own unique focus.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has held Congresses to celebrate milestones, such as the 25th anniversary of the UPU in 1900.
These Congresses have taken place in various locations, including Bern, Switzerland, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Here are the details of some Extraordinary Congresses:
Emergency Congresses

Emergency Congresses are called when a crisis or emergency situation arises that requires immediate action from the government.
These congresses are usually convened in response to a national emergency or disaster, such as a war, economic crisis, or natural disaster.
In some cases, an emergency congress can be held to address a specific issue, like a constitutional crisis or a major scandal.
Emergency congresses often have a specific agenda and may not follow the usual rules of procedure.
They can be called by the president or by a majority vote in the legislature.
Emergency congresses are typically shorter in duration compared to regular congresses.
Their decisions are usually binding and can have significant consequences for the country.
Special Congresses
Special Congresses are called to address specific issues that require immediate attention. They can be convened at any time, even during a regular session.
A special congress can be called to amend the constitution, which is a significant decision that requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. This is a crucial step in making changes to the fundamental laws of a country.

Special congresses can also be called to address national emergencies, such as natural disasters or economic crises. They provide a platform for lawmakers to respond quickly and effectively to these situations.
In some countries, special congresses are called to elect a new head of state or government, which is a rare but important event. This can happen when the current leader resigns or is removed from office.
International Cooperation
International Cooperation is a crucial aspect of some Extraordinary Congresses.
The European Union's European Council, for instance, brings together the heads of state or government from all member states to make decisions on key issues.
In the EU, this cooperation has led to significant achievements, such as the creation of a single market and a common currency.
The European Council's ability to make decisions by consensus rather than majority voting has facilitated cooperation among member states.
This consensus-based approach has allowed the EU to tackle complex issues like climate change and economic crises effectively.
The EU's experience with international cooperation has also influenced other international organizations, such as the United Nations.
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History of Extraordinary Congresses
The Universal Postal Union has a long history of holding Extraordinary Congresses to address specific issues in the postal sector. These congresses have taken place in various locations around the world, starting with Bern, Switzerland in 1900.
The first Extraordinary Congress was held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UPU.
The most recent Extraordinary Congress was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2023, focusing on opportunities to expand membership.
Here's a list of all the Extraordinary Congresses held so far:
Past Examples
The 1787 Constitutional Convention is a prime example of an extraordinary congress, where a group of visionary leaders came together to create a new framework for the United States.
The convention was attended by 74 delegates from 12 states, with George Washington presiding over the gathering.
The Constitutional Convention was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the end of the Articles of Confederation and the beginning of the United States as we know it today.
In 1861, the 37th Congress convened in the midst of the American Civil War, with the Union and Confederacy locked in a bitter struggle.
The 37th Congress played a crucial role in passing the Confiscation Act, which allowed the Union to seize Confederate property.
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Notable Events

The 1787 Constitutional Convention was a pivotal moment in the history of extraordinary congresses, where the US Constitution was drafted and ratified in just four months.
This convention marked a significant shift in the country's governance, as it established the framework for the federal government and the relationship between the states.
George Washington was unanimously elected as the convention's president, bringing a sense of stability and credibility to the proceedings.
The convention's debates were often contentious, with some delegates pushing for a stronger central government while others advocated for more state autonomy.
Alexander Hamilton's influential contributions helped shape the Constitution, particularly in the areas of taxation and commerce.
The Constitution's ratification was a long and arduous process, with some states requiring multiple votes before finally approving the document.
In the end, the Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787, marking a major milestone in the history of the United States.
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Impact of Extraordinary Congresses
The Extraordinary Congresses of the Universal Postal Union have a significant impact on the organization's development. These congresses are held to address specific topics and challenges facing the postal sector.
The first Extraordinary Congress was held in 1900 in Bern, Switzerland, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UPU. This event marked a milestone in the organization's history.
The congresses have also focused on sustainability, with the 2nd Extraordinary Congress held in 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, discussing the sustainability of the postal sector. This topic remains crucial for the organization's future.
The 3rd Extraordinary Congress in 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted the importance of remuneration of small packets. This issue continues to be a challenge for postal services worldwide.
The 4th Extraordinary Congress in 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, explored opportunities to expand membership. This expansion could lead to increased collaboration and innovation within the postal sector.
Here's a brief overview of the Extraordinary Congresses:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current head of Universal Postal Union?
Masahiko Metoki is a former head of the Universal Postal Union, having previously served in Japan's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications since 1983.
Who are the members of the UPU?
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has 192 member states, including the Vatican City, and excludes only four countries: Andorra, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. These four countries have alternative arrangements for mail delivery through other UPU member countries.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postal_Union_Congress
- https://info.mysticstamp.com/20th-universal-postal-union-congress_tdih/
- https://www.upu.int/en/home
- https://www.justcollecting.com/products/great-britain-1929-1-postal-union-congress-sg-438s
- https://www.un.org/en/delegate/celebrating-150-years-universal-postal-union
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