Since 1971, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on postal services, has been hosting the International Letter Writing Competition for Young People on an annual basis. This competition has attracted millions of youths globally, offering them the opportunity to hone their letter-writing skills while addressing topics of global significance.
In today’s digital era, mastering the art of written expression remains a crucial skill for young individuals to cultivate, fostering personal growth and readiness for the future. By engaging in this competition, participants contribute to the advocacy for Goal Four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes “Quality Education.” For further details, please visit the following website: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Theme: The 2024 competition encourages participants to contemplate the future of our world with the theme: “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people worldwide for over eight generations. Compose a letter addressing future generations, envisioning the world you anticipate for them, considering the substantial transformations that have occurred since the competition’s establishment.
Benefits:
- The top three international winners will receive prestigious medals (gold, silver, or bronze) engraved with their names, or certificates (honourable mentions).
- The UPU coordinates a special awards ceremony at its headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, to honour the recipient of the gold medal, acknowledging their exceptional achievement. Transport and accommodation expenses for the winner and an accompanying adult will be covered.
- Runners-up and national winners typically receive their prizes at ceremonies held in their respective countries on World Post Day, October 9th, which marks the UPU’s founding anniversary.
Requirements:
- Only participants aged 9 to 15 years old are eligible to participate in the annual competition.
Selection Process:
Competition Rules:
- Entries must be in the form of a letter and must include all essential elements of a letter (such as a heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line, and optional postscript).
- Submissions must strictly adhere to the theme and should not exceed 800 words in the original language.
- Each submitted letter must be accompanied by a cover letter, an entry form, and a high-quality picture of the winner.
Method of Application:
For further details,
Application Deadline: May 5, 2024.
