World Post Day - Innovation, Integration, and Inclusion

World Post Day is celebrated annually on October 9, marking the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. Declared by the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969, this day sees countries worldwide participating in various celebrations, often using the occasion to introduce or promote new postal products and services

Theme: 150 Years of Enabling Communication

In 2024, the UPU will celebrate its 150th anniversary with the theme “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.” This year’s World Post Day not only acknowledges the UPU’s long-standing achievements but also reinforces its commitment to serving communities for future generations. This celebration is an opportunity to reflect on 150 years of progress and to look ahead to a future where communication continues to be a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and global understanding.

The Role of Postal Services in Development

World Post Day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of the postal sector in the daily lives of individuals and businesses, contributing to the social and economic development of countries. The celebration encourages member nations to implement activities that enhance public and media awareness of their postal services. Over 150 countries observe World Post Day with various initiatives. Some countries even declare it a working holiday. Postal services often seize this opportunity to launch or promote new products, reward employees for exemplary service, and engage the public through various activities.

Activities and Celebrations

Common activities during World Post Day include:

Philatelic Exhibitions: Many countries organize exhibitions showcasing stamps and postal history.

New Stamp Issues: Posts often release new stamps and cancellation marks commemorating the day.

Open Days: Post offices, mail centers, and postal museums hold open days for the public.

Conferences and Workshops: These events highlight the evolving role of postal services.

Cultural and Recreational Activities: Various recreational events, including sports, are organized to celebrate the day.

International Letter-Writing Competition: National winners of this competition are often recognized on October 9.

Did You Know?

Over 1.5 billion people worldwide—approximately 28% of the global adult population—access basic financial services (payments, money transfers, and savings) through postal networks.
The global parcels market has grown from nearly $450 billion in 2018 to over $500 billion in 2020.
53% of post offices worldwide provide insurance services, which are vital for low-income individuals facing irregular income.
With a network of more than 650,000 offices and 5.3 million staff globally, the Post holds a unique position to deliver services to anyone, anywhere, backed by a public service mandate from many governments.