T HE postal service has long been an essential means of communication in society. While various communication technologies have evolved over time, the postal service remains indispensable. Despite advancements, people still rely on it for various needs.

World Post Day, celebrated on 9 October each year, commemorates the founding of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This day was officially designated by the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969. From then onward, countries around the globe celebrate World Post Day annually to highlight the vital role of new postal products and services in daily life, as well as their contribution to global socioeconomic development.

The theme for World Post Day 2024, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People Across Nations,” honours the UPU’s remarkable legacy. This year’s celebration reflects on 150 years of progress and looks ahead to a future where communication continues to foster peace, prosperity, and global understanding. UPU, with 192 member countries, is a specialized United Nations agency. Myanmar became a member on 4 October 1949, joining the global postal network to provide international postal services.

Myanmar Post, using the UPU’s IPS Post system, handles international mail services under a quality control framework. Due to this, Myanmar Post achieved recognition for quality service in 2014 and earned the UPU Quality Management Certification Level A (Gold) in 2020. By showing excellent skills and capacity of staff, Myanmar Post secured the EMS Cooperative Performance Award-Gold Level in 2012, Bronze Level in 2019, Silver Level in 2021 and Gold Level in 2022. In 2018, Myanmar Post was also honoured with the Quality of Service Fund Award for Best Management for implementing a motorized street delivery system, a project aimed at improving basic postal services.

Today, Myanmar Post integrates digital and ICT technologies to enhance its services. The country’s postal sector is evolving to keep pace with customer demands and international standards. Postal services worldwide, especially within UPU member countries, are playing an increasingly important role in the broader information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

Although technology has transformed communication, the postal service continues to serve a broader range of needs — from delivering letters and packages to offering various business services. Ultimately, postal services remain crucial in satisfying the needs of customers, demonstrating that, even in a digital age, the post is still relevant and indispensable.