World Post Day

9 October

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss capital, Berne. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969.

Awareness

The purpose of World Post Day is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries. The celebration encourages member countries to undertake programme activities aimed at generating a broader awareness of their Post’s role and activities among the public and media on a national scale.

New products and services

Every year, more than 150 countries celebrate World Post Day in a variety of ways. In certain countries, World Post Day is observed as a working holiday. Many Posts use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services. Some Posts also use World Post Day to reward their employees for good service.

In many countries, philatelic exhibitions are organized and new stamps and date cancellation marks are issued. Other activities include the display of World Post Day posters in post offices and other public places, open days at post offices, mail centers and postal museums, the holding of conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as cultural, sport and other recreational activities. Many postal administrations issue special souvenirs such as T-shirts and badges.

Themes of World Post Day

• Theme for 2015 is “Tell us about the world you want to grow up in”.
• Theme for 2014 was “Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape” and “Write a letter describing how music can touch lives”.
• Theme for 2013 was “The Post Delivering for People and Businesses Daily”.
• Theme for 2012 was “Write a letter to an athlete or sports figure you admire to explain what the Olympic Games mean to you”.
• Theme for 2011 was “The Post, an invaluable public service”.