FORUM: “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.“ World Post Day 2024. Today, more than 5 million postal employees are entrusted with a variety of essential and personal items, from messages, gifts and goods, to money and medicines. This trust has been cultivated through a steadfast commitment to safety and security. Posts have tirelessly worked to improve the safety of roads, providing training programmes for delivery drivers, and implementing security measures to keep dangerous goods out of the supply chain, safeguarding workers and customers alike. Furthermore, during times of disasters or conflicts, Posts have extended a helping hand, organizing supplies and emergency services for those in need; often, they are the first to assist in these situations. Posts can leverage this existing trust-based relationship to help bridge a gap facing billions: the digital divide. By connecting their expansive physical network to the digital sphere, Posts are embarking on a massive digital transformation to offer secure online services in this Fourth Industrial Revolution. The UPU has been a dedicated partner in building a safe and connected global network that serves nearly eight billion people each day with modern and secure services, and it is a key part of this transformation. It’s time to bring awareness to the Post's role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #UPUCongress, #WorldPostDay, #PostalDevelopment #9October.
EVENTS: October 9th, The World Post Day 2024 Global Celebration will be held at UPU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. As a result, the UPU's member countries are encouraged to organize their own national activities to celebrate the event, including everything from the introduction or promotion of new postal products and services, to the organization of open days at post offices, mail centres and postal museums. Countries will participate in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition, and the national winners will be announced. To mark the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union, the UPU will held a high-level event to focus on the theme “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations“. Get the agenda Programme!
STATEMENTS: Read statement by the Director General of the UPU International Bureau on World Post Day 2024; October 9th.
As we celebrate 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), we recognize its importance as one of the earliest examples of multilateralism. Founded with the goal of creating a unified postal system, the UPU has brought together countries to support global communication, cultural exchange, and access to essential services. What started with 22 nations now includes 192 member countries, showing the strength of international cooperation.
Over the years, the UPU has adapted to challenges like wars, crises, and rapid technological changes. It has remained a strong symbol of global unity, ensuring communication is accessible to everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Today, the UPU leads efforts to modernize and improve postal services. It provides a space for countries to share knowledge, find new solutions, and address modern challenges. The UPU's spirit of cooperation helps turn obstacles into opportunities, making sure postal services evolve with the changing world.
Where once we viewed the rise of digital communication and the decline in traditional mail volumes as a threat, we now see a wealth of possibilities. The UPU's extensive network has adapted to support a broader range of services – including e-commerce, financial, social and digital services – ensuring inclusive access for people worldwide, including in the most remote areas in order to leave no-one behind.
Instead of viewing competition as a challenge, the UPU welcomes partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. This inclusive approach strengthens our ability to address global challenges, like climate change, which requires cooperation across borders.
As we look to the future, the UPU’s mission remains clear: to connect and empower people around the world. By staying committed to multilateralism, innovation, and inclusivity, the UPU will continue to support global communication and serve future generations for the next 150 years.
Director General of the UPU International Bureau.
COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:Member countries can choose to produce stamps including stamp sheets, first day covers, and cancellations using the new World Post Day design. To facilitate the production, technical sheets and open files are provided in several languages. Many postal administrations are issuing special souvenirs such as Notebooks, Mugs T-shirts and badges. Explore the World Post Day 2024 poster in English – French – Arabic– Portuguese – Russian– Spanish – Chinese. Get the communication materials!
