UPU News:-Qatar names new Council of Administration chair

Qatar, the chair of the UPU’s Council of Administration, has named Faleh Mohammad Al-Naemi as its new representative.

Faleh Mohammad Al-Naemi (l.) meets UPU Director General Bishar A. Hussein in Berne

Currently CEO of QPost, the Qatari postal operator, Al-Naemi was recently in Berne for his first visit to the International Bureau.

“I am very much looking forward to accompanying and guiding UPU member states in their deliberations and activities to help the postal sector evolve, react better to customer demands and meet the expectations of all stakeholders,” Al-Naemi said.

A former assistant secretary general at Qatar’s ministry of communications and technology, Al-Naemi has a long and varied career behind him, covering human resources, accounting and digital inclusion, especially of disabled people. He became QPost’s chief executive in late 2014.

“Qatar has always been very supportive of the UPU and believes firmly in the value of this august institution,” Al-Naemi said.

Technology crucial

Al-Naemi underlined that these are interesting times for the UPU and the Post. With the postal sector gaining in importance as a delivery partner for companies across the globe, governments are facing real prospects for boosting national economic growth and social development.

“The fast-evolving economy and e-commerce boom are game-changers, which the postal sector should exploit fully for the opportunities it offers,” he said.

Posts could gain a competitive edge by increasing their use of technology, Al-Naemi explained, embedding digital solutions that are already available. This would ensure the supply chain is better integrated.

“Technology is a means to an end and we should fully utilize them to ensure Posts are more relevant than ever,” he emphasized. “This will result in increased customer confidence in postal services,” he added.

Inclusion

It is also important to ensure that people anywhere in the world have access to postal services of a high standard, according to Al-Naemi. “The inclusion of all members of society should be a key concern for all governments and the public postal network can contribute substantially to achieving this goal,” he said.

Al-Naemi takes up his new role during a year, where the UPU’s future strategy will take firmer shape. From 13-14 April, member states and other stakeholders from the postal world and international organizations will meet at the UPU World Strategy Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the event, achievements during this work cycle to date will be under the spotlight. Discussions will also focus on the changing communications landscape and customer requirements.

The Council of Administration is composed of 41 member states and oversees the work of the UPU between Universal Postal Congresses. Held every four years, Congress is the supreme authority of the Union.