The UPU is an inter-governmental organization and was the first-ever forum created to facilitate cooperation between governments, actors, and stakeholders within the global postal sector. Today, the UPU is known for being one of the oldest international organizations in the world, which continues to develop international postal service harmony for over 190 countries.

The UPU was established as before its founding, countries had to go through long, difficult negotiations to agree on how mail should be handled and delivered in their respective countries. Often, due to a lack of agreements, mail had to go through an intermediatory country, making the delivery of mail very complicated. As the world becomes increasingly interlinked, these processes became even more complex and there was a need for an independent regulatory body that could make the process smoother. Also, there was a need for multi-country agreements to open up postal services universally.

Therefore, the UPU was established in 1874 and today has its headquarters located in, Berne, the capital of Switzerland. However, it is a truly global organization, which works to maintain a universal postal network, as well as continue to establish common rules for international mail exchange between its members, whilst improving the quality of service for postal customers.

The UPU consists of some 192 members, each of which represents one country, with the organization being the mediatory forum for cooperation between postal sector players. Its role acts to solidify a universal network of up-to-date postal services which harness the rapidly evolving technology and digital advancements in the sector.

The organization acts in an advisory role, liaising between members and provides technical assistance where it is required. The UPU establishes the rules for international mail exchange and makes recommendations (such as the successful EMS postal development) which it believes will be a catalyst for growth in package/mail delivery and financial services.