Since 1971, this competition has been encouraging young writers between the ages of 9 and 15 to compose letters based on a specific theme to have a chance at winning exciting prizes. The competition serves as a valuable means of raising awareness among young individuals about the vital role of postal services in our societies.
UPU International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People
Each year, the UPU’s secretariat, the International Bureau, selects a theme and shares it with the public. Countries that are involved in the competition then coordinate and host the event on a national scale with the help of their postal services, and often receive assistance from educational institutions and media organizations.
For this special edition, the UPU is collaborating with UNICEF to organize the 53rd International Letter-Writing Competition. The aim is to empower children and youth worldwide by promoting literacy and creativity through the art of letter writing. This campaign seeks to amplify the voices of young individuals and provide them with a platform, leading up to the Summit of the Future and the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to express their perspectives on the world and the legacy they desire for future generations.
Competition Theme
In 2024, participants will be invited to contemplate the future state of the world under the theme: “Looking ahead at 150 years of the UPU’s existence, the organization has been a global service provider for over eight generations. The world has witnessed significant transformations since then. Compose a letter addressing future generations, expressing your aspirations for the world they will inherit.”
Prizes
- The top three winners from around the world will be awarded a prestigious medal (gold, silver, or bronze) engraved with their name, or an honorable mention certificate.
- The UPU also arranges an exclusive trip for the gold-medal recipient to attend a special awards ceremony at the UPU headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, to commemorate their outstanding accomplishment. Travel and accommodation expenses for the winner and their accompanying adult will be covered.
- The runners-up and national winners will typically receive their prizes during ceremonies held in their respective countries on World Post Day, which falls on October 9th – the UPU’s founding anniversary.
Eligibility Criteria
- The annual competition is specifically for young individuals aged 9 to 15.
- Winning at the national level opens the opportunity for your letter to be chosen as the top international letter, leading to exciting prizes.
- The country selects and forwards its finest national submission to the UPU in Switzerland. Every nation submits its winning letter to contend for the top international awards.
- An international panel assesses the letters and picks the top three winners along with up to five special mentions.
Competition Rule
- Entries should be in letter format, including the necessary elements such as heading, salutation, body, closing, signature line, and postscript if desired.
- Submissions must stay within the theme and not surpass 800 words in the original language.
- Each letter submission requires a cover letter, entry form, and a high-quality image of the winner.
Application Process
To secure your entry into the competition, you are warmly invited to refer to the Participants Guide 2024 and are encouraged to reach out to your country’s postal service for additional assistance.
For more information visit the official website of the International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People.
Application Deadline
May 5, 2024.
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