Since 1971, the UPU has encouraged young writers aged 9-15 to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes. International Letter-Writing Competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role postal services play in our societies.

The UPU’s secretariat, the International Bureau, chooses a theme annually and publicizes it each year. Participating countries then organize the competition at the national level through the Post, often with the support of the educational authorities and media. For this special edition, the UPU is organizing the 53rd International Letter-Writing Competition in partnership with UNICEF to empower children and youth worldwide by encouraging literacy and creativity through the art of letter writing. This campaign aims to raise the voices of children and youth and provide them a platform, in the lead up to the Summit of the Future and the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to share their perspectives of the world and the legacy they wish the future generations to inherit

Theme of the Competition

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.”

Prize

• 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.

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Eligibility for International Letter-Writing Competition

• Only young participants from 9 to 15 years may take part in the annual competition.
• Country selects the best national entry and sends it to the UPU in Switzerland.
• Each country sends its first-prize letter to then compete for the top prizes at the international level.
• An international jury evaluates the letters and selects top three winners and up to five special mentions.

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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.

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Application of International Letter-Writing Competition