Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People 2024

Every year since 1971, the Universal Postal Union, the United Nations specialized agency for postal services, has held an International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. Millions of youths around the world have participated in the competition, practicing the valuable art of letter-writing by expressing their thoughts on topics and issues that concern the world at large.

Despite living in a digital age, learning how to express oneself properly through the written word is an ability that every young person should nurture to grow personally and prepare for the future. By participating in this competition, you help us advocate for goal four on “Quality Education” under the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, please consult the following website: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Theme: In 2024, participants will be encouraged to reflect on the future of the world under the theme: “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.”  

• Table of Content
• About Universal Postal Union (UPU)
• International Letter-Writing Competition
• Aim and Benefits of International Letter-Writing Competition
• Requirements for International Letter-Writing Competition Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for International Letter-Writing Competition
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the second oldest international organization worldwide. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel a... continue reading

International Letter-Writing Competition

Aim and Benefits of International Letter-Writing Competition

• The top three international prize-winners will receive a beautiful medal (gold, silver or bronze) bearing their name, or a certificate (honourable mentions). 
• The UPU also arranges for the gold-medal winner a trip to attend a special awards ceremony at the UPU headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, in honour of their achievement. Transport and accommodation costs will be paid for the winner and the accompanying adult.
• The runners-up and national winners will generally receive their prize at ceremonies held in their home countries on World Post Day – 9 October – the anniversary of the founding of the UPU.

Requirements for International Letter-Writing Competition Qualification

• Only young participants from 9 to 15 years may take part in the annual competition.

Interview date, Process and Venue for International Letter-Writing Competition

COMPETITION RULES

• Compositions must be in the form of a letter and contain the elements of a letter (heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line and postscript (optional).
• Entries must adhere strictly to the theme and not exceed 800 words in the original language.
• Submitted letters must be accompanied by a cover letter, entry form and high quality picture of the winner.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit UPU website