SECRETARYGENERAL’S DESK

Greetings from the Asian-Pacific Postal Union!

August is an important month for the APPU community as we prepare to gather in Bangkok for the 14 APPU Congress （31 Aug – 4 Sep, 2026). After months of preparation and consultation, we are now approaching an occasion that will bring our members together to review the work of the Union, consider our priorities for the years ahead, and strengthen the cooperation that has always been at the heart of APPU.

The month began on a meaningful note with the opening of the APPU Philatelic Gallery at our headquarters in Bangkok. The Gallery has been created from stamps and philatelic materials
contributed by our member countries over the years, and I am very pleased that these valuable collections now have a dedicated place where they can be properly displayed and appreciated.

At a time when communication and postal services are changing rapidly, philately reminds us that transformation does not mean leaving our heritage behind. Stamps have long carried the history, culture, achievements and identity of our countries across borders. The Gallery therefore represents not only our postal traditions, but also the diversity and friendship of the APPU community. I encourage all members to continue contributing new stamps and other philatelic materials so that the collection can continue to grow and remain a living reflection of our region.

At the Asian-Pacific Postal College, we have also made steady progress with this year’s training programme. Before the Congress begins, APPC will have completed ten of the fourteen
programmes scheduled for 2026, bringing together postal professionals from across the region for learning, practical exchange and professional development. We look forward to
continuing this momentum in the months ahead by conducting the remaining four programmes later in the year – two online and two in-person.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, Thailand Post, the Universal Postal Union, our member countries, partners, guest
speakers and colleagues for their continued support to these activities and to the work of APPU more broadly. The establishment of the Philatelic Gallery, our training programmes and preparations for Congress have all benefited from this strong spirit of cooperation.