In 2025 the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) have agreed to enter into a partnership for the digital benefit of libraries, post offices and the communities they serve.

During past decades, both libraries and post offices have undergone a transition in their efforts to adapt to the new digital landscape. Historically, both are characterized as anchor institutions that support the development of global communities and facilitate access to information and resources. In view of this, their mandate and vision remains more relevant than ever as we move forward into a new era of digitalization and technological development.

In 2023 UPU started the connect.post initiative that seeks to connect every post office to the Internet by 2030. In a similar manner, IFLA is looking to expand and improve connectivity efforts across its global network for the years to come. Similarly, both organizations have led international capacity development efforts for the advancement of digital skills and the promotion digital inclusivity. These and other initiatives respond to many of the pressing challenges stated in the Global Digital Compact, and particularly relates to objective 1 in the compact that refers to closing the digital divides and accelerating progress across the sustainable development goals. Similarly, both libraries and post offices count with the capacity, the expertise and the infrastructure to expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all.

On account of this, we see a great possibility for alignment between both networks in the expansion of connectivity, the promotion of human rights and the reduction of digital inequalities.

What to do next? – Call to action for libraries:
  • Does your library have any experience exchanging with post offices?, For instance via inter-library loans, through employment or SMEs in-library training or in any other way?. If so, please contact us via this link.
    We are currently working on gathering case studies on previous cooperation to elaborate a knowledge product and would like to include this evidence in it.
  • Your library doesn’t have any experience on this but you would like to learn how to benefit from collaborating with post offices in your region to improve connectivity and digital inclusion in your community?
    Reach out to us via this link.