General Postal Union becomes the Universal Postal Union

Background. The General Postal Union was established by the Treaty of Bern, signed on 9 October 1874. This treaty created a framework for international postal cooperation, allowing member states to agree on uniform terms for conducting international postal duties. The organization was initially known as the General Postal Union, reflecting its foundational role in standardizing global mail exchange.

Renaming. In 1878, the organization adopted its current name, the Universal Postal Union. This renaming occurred at the second Postal Union Congress and was driven by the organization's large membership. The change signified the transition from a general framework to a universal system, emphasizing the broad scope of its authority and membership.

Significance. The organization adopted its current name, the Universal Postal Union, in 1878. According to the Treaty of Bern account, the renaming was due to the organization's large membership. Today the UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates postal policies among member nations and facilitates a uniform worldwide postal system.