Hello everyone. Every year wild postal day reminds us that the postal network is far more than the movement of letters and parcels. It is one of the world's enduring example of global cooperation.
One trusted network connecting people, communities, and nations through a shared commitment to universal service, trust, and reliability.
This year's theme, "one postal network, infinite possibilities", reflects the extraordinary strength of a network built over the generations and continuously evolving.
Today, more than 660,000 post office and 4.6 6 million postal staff as supported by digital technology
and international partnerships form one of the world's largest global ecosystems.
Together they make the post a one-stop shop for people, business, and governments alike.
At the heart of these infinite possibilities is a human connection that only the post can provide. Every day, postal employees bring that connection to life. Serving as trusted bridges between governments, businesses and the people they serve. They help businesses, reach new markets, support women entrepreneurs, and keep rural and underserved communities connected to essential services and new
opportunities. As society evolves, the post evolves with it.
From delivering public service more effectively to enabling business to grow through e-commerce, the post continues to create value for society.
It is expanding access to financial and health care services, advancing secure digital transformation and shaping itself to remain relevant to future generations by continuing to innovate.
The postal network is opening new possibilities while remaining true to its universal service mission.
On this World Postal Day, I extend my appreciation to the millions of postal staff whose dedication and
professionalism made this possible. May we work together to build one postal network that create infinite possibilities for governments, businesses, and above all the people and the communities we serve. Happy World Post Day.
One trusted network connecting people, communities, and nations through a shared commitment to universal service, trust, and reliability.
This year's theme, "one postal network, infinite possibilities", reflects the extraordinary strength of a network built over the generations and continuously evolving.
Today, more than 660,000 post office and 4.6 6 million postal staff as supported by digital technology
and international partnerships form one of the world's largest global ecosystems.
Together they make the post a one-stop shop for people, business, and governments alike.
At the heart of these infinite possibilities is a human connection that only the post can provide. Every day, postal employees bring that connection to life. Serving as trusted bridges between governments, businesses and the people they serve. They help businesses, reach new markets, support women entrepreneurs, and keep rural and underserved communities connected to essential services and new
opportunities. As society evolves, the post evolves with it.
From delivering public service more effectively to enabling business to grow through e-commerce, the post continues to create value for society.
It is expanding access to financial and health care services, advancing secure digital transformation and shaping itself to remain relevant to future generations by continuing to innovate.
The postal network is opening new possibilities while remaining true to its universal service mission.
On this World Postal Day, I extend my appreciation to the millions of postal staff whose dedication and
professionalism made this possible. May we work together to build one postal network that create infinite possibilities for governments, businesses, and above all the people and the communities we serve. Happy World Post Day.
UPU Director General.
Statement by the UPU Director General on World Post Day 2026 in English, in French, in Arabic, in Portuguese, in Russian and in Spanish.
This year's International Letter-Writing Competition invited young people to reflect on the importance of friendship and human connection in an increasingly digital world. The UPU warmly thanks all participants from 65 countries, who submitted more than 1.48 million letters. This year, the UPU is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to inspire young writers worldwide to reflect on why human connection matters in an increasingly digital world and to share these reflections in a letter to a friend. Since 1971, the UPU has encouraged young writers aged 9-15 years (inclusive) to write letters on a given theme for a chance to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role that postal services play in our societies. It develops their composition skills and ability to express their thoughts clearly. It also fosters enjoyment of letter writing and helps to strengthen the bonds of international friendship. Every year, the UPU’s secretariat – the International Bureau – chooses and publicizes a theme. Participating countries then organize the competition at national level through the Post, often with the support of the educational authorities and media, presenting one winning letter to the international jury convened by the UPU. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than 5 May each year. The jury then evaluates the letters and selects the overall winners and candidates that merit a special mention. If conditions permit, the UPU will sponsor and arrange for the top winner to attend a special awards ceremony in honour of their achievement, including transport and accommodation for the winner and one accompanying adult. In 2026, this prestigious event is set to take place at the UPU International Bureau.The deadline for submissions has now closed.
Theme for 2026
Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.
In a world shaped by digital technologies – from social media and messaging apps to artificial intelligence and robotics – the way people connect with one another is changing. While digital tools can bring people together, they can also deepen feelings of loneliness and social isolation when meaningful human connection is missing. This year’s theme builds on WHO-led global evidence showing that social connection is a vital part of overall health and well-being, as well as physical and mental health. Meaningful relationships help reduce loneliness, strengthen empathy, support inclusion and contribute to healthier, more resilient individuals and communities. From a postal perspective, letters remain a powerful symbol and tool of human connection. Writing a letter takes time, care and intention. It allows people to express emotions, share experiences and build relationships in a deeply personal way that transcends distance, screens and time zones. Every letter also carries the human touch of postal workers, whose role in delivering messages helps sustain trust, solidarity and connection between individuals and communities around the world. By writing a letter to a friend, children are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and to explore how simple acts of communication can foster empathy, kindness and understanding. Through their words, young people can share ideas on how to nurture friendships, stay connected and strengthen human bonds – both offline and online – in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
About participation: If you are interested in entering the competition, we cordially invite you to consult the Participants Guide 2026 below and to contact your national postal operator for further guidance about participating. The guide is available in French, Spanish and Portuguese. Participants Guide 2026
Competition rules and promotional materials: Member countries, UN entities, partners, and the public are invited to take part in this global initiative. To facilitate access to key resources, a dedicated Trello board for the 55th International Letter-Writing Competition is accessible here. Member countries will find all relevant documents on this platform. This centralized platform will be regularly updated with essential materials such as competition rules and entry forms and other visual assets including official logos, event branding and social media materials to support the successful organization of the competition.
Educational resources: How to write a good letter?
If you are looking for inspiration to craft a compelling letter for this year's competition, dive yourself into the resources below:
- FAQ: Social connection – what it is, why it matters, and what you can do
- WHO Commission on Social Connection report – plain language summary
- The Social Connection Series – short films on lived experiences
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations
The UPU World Post Day social media kit includes sample messages and guidelines, social media cards in various formats and languages, branded materials and souvenirs, as well as original files for reproducing posters and philatelic packages. Postal communications teams and anyone interested in joining the global World Post Day campaign and amplifying it are encouraged to download and use these official materials. Please keep checking the board as we approach the celebration, as more messaging and campaigns will be added in the coming months.
Call for contributions
In celebration of World Post Day 2026, we invite Posts to contribute to our social media campaign on the theme “World Post Day: one postal network, infinite possibilities”. We encourage Posts to share photos or videos showcasing how their postal network, as part of one trusted global network, connects people, businesses and governments to create infinite possibilities through trusted services, innovation and human connections. Contributions may highlight one or more of the following:
Services: one postal network, infinite possibilities THROUGH...
How does the postal network create possibilities (financial, economic, social, government services, emergency relief, for the future)?
Showcase postal products and services that support people and communities through the Post’s trusted human connection, including financial services, pensions, remittances, e-commerce, digital services, healthcare access and emergency support, among others.
Regions: one postal network, infinite possibilities IN…
Where does the postal network create possibilities?
Highlight the reach and impact of postal services across cities, rural areas and underserved communities, demonstrating how one postal network connects people everywhere.
People: one postal network, infinite possibilities FOR…
Who does the postal network create possibilities for?
Share stories of individuals and communities benefiting from the human connection enabled by postal services, including elderly citizens, young people, women entrepreneurs, families, small businesses and rural communities.
We kindly ask Posts to share videos or photos that bring this theme to life.
Please note: Every contribution must include a visual element (either photos or video). You may submit two or more high-resolution images or a high-quality video not exceeding two minutes (video must be in landscape format). Materials that do not match the criteria in terms of content or quality will not be used. Please also share with us your official social media tags/handles (e.g., X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) so that we can acknowledge and amplify your contributions. Send your contributions to communication[at]upu.int. Contributions will be accepted until 31 October 2026.
