It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to the 24th Universal Postal Congress.

I was privileged to visit the Headquarters of the Universal Postal Union last April for the UN Chief Executives' Board session, and I thank your organization for hosting a very successful meeting.

This year, the UPU marks 60 years as a UN agency. What started as a relationship limited mainly to technical assistance has evolved immeasurably. Today's UPU makes invaluable contributions in many areas, including migration and fund transfers, transport and trade, education and literacy, sustainable development, health and security, the growth of small business and the development of standards to ensure compatibility and interconnectivity.

We in the United Nations are keenly aware of the role played by the UPU and the postal sector in helping to achieve our shared aims, particularly the Millennium Development Goals. Postal services are universal, connecting people throughout the world. That is particularly important at a time when millions of people have migrated to seek better economic opportunities, or have been forced to flee areas afflicted by war or natural disaster, and are eager to share news and resources with loved ones.

I commend the UPU on its Development Plan for Africa, and for channelling 40 percent of your technical cooperation budget to the world's least developed countries. I was also pleased to learn that the UPU has joined the “Aid for Trade” initiative aimed at helping poorer countries build trade-related infrastructure and supply capacity. And I am encouraged by the way the world's postal outlets are serving as natural gateways to the information society.

Today, the need to ensure universal access to communications is greater than ever.. I am sure you will keep this noble goal in mind throughout your deliberations. Please accept my best wishes for the success of your important work..