UPU

Universal Postal Union

5
Activities on AI
5
Countries

About UPU

One world. One postal network. The Universal Postal Union is a United Nations specialized agency and the postal sector's primary forum for international cooperation.

Activities by UPU

UPU
Detection of counterfeit philatelic products and stamp identification
Global Not Applicable

Relying on the data within the UPU’s digital database of certified stamps , the UPU has developed an AI-based tool presented on a mobile application , which will enable customs and law enforcement officers to check the legality of a seized stamp in just a few steps. This counterfeit detection functionality is reserved for customs, however the same tool also allows collectors to identify stamps and thus enhance their philatelic hobby.

Activity Type AI Tools/Solutions
ITUUNEPUNESCOUNFCCCUPUWMO
Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions
Global GreeceItalySlovakiaSpain

The Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions seeks to advance the use of AI and other emerging technologies in disaster management while ensuring it is safe, responsible, and effective. A core focus of the initiative is laying the foundation for international AI standards and best practices to guide the design, deployment, and governance of AI solutions for hazard detection, monitoring, response, and recovery. By convening expert working groups, workshops, collaborative challenges, and connecting the dots between standards and existing proof-of-concept projects connecting the dots between standards and existing proof-of-concept projects, initiative provides a platform for governments, industry, and civil society to contribute to interoperable, ethical, and inclusive AI frameworks. Through these standards-driven efforts, the initiative aims to strengthen resilience to natural hazards and support the UN’s broader goals of disaster management, sustainable development, and technological innovation.

Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsTrainings/WorkshopsResearch/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/Exchange
UPU
Prediction of postal item delivery day on the UPU global track and trace system
Global

The UPU’s global postal supply chain consists of almost 700,000 postal access points and reaches 95% of the world’s population for the delivery of postal items; mail, parcels and postal payments. In the delivery process to the addressee, the provision of reliable information on the expected delivery date of the postal item is a challenge, especially so for postal operations in least developing, developing countries and small island developing states. Using machine learning models trained on postal big data, the UPU’s global track and trace solution (

Activity Type AI Tools/Solutions
UPU
State of the Postal Sector Report
Global Not Applicable

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of revolutionizing the next wave of postal services. The "State of the Postal Sector" report, UPU’s flagship publication, delves into AI's transformative role in fostering enhanced collaboration among postal sector stakeholders worldwide. Spanning two dedicated chapters, the report explores the vast, yet to be fully realized, potential of AI within the sector and among UPU member states. It outlines a strategic roadmap to capitalize on AI, detailing pivotal use cases that could significantly elevate the efficiency and innovation of postal services at all development levels.

Activity Type Research/Reports/Assessments