"150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations"
In 2024, the Universal Postal Union celebrates its 150th anniversary.
On 9 October 1874, 22 countries gathered to sign the Treaty of Bern, creating the General Postal Union, which would later become known as the Universal Postal Union. A century and a half later, the UPU now unites the postal networks of 192 member countries, having realized its founders’ vision of establishing a single postal territory to serve people everywhere.
The UPU’s theme for its 150th year – “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations” – recognizes this accomplishment, and reinforces its commitment to serve all peoples for the decades and centuries to come.
Throughout 2024, the UPU will roll out a series of events and campaigns in celebration of its rich past, dedicated present and promising future.
Stay tuned for continued updates and be sure to join our global campaign on social media using the dedicated hashtag: #UPU150.
9 October 2024
To mark the 150th anniversary of the UPU, the World Post Day theme for 2024 is: "150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations". A dedicated page on World Post Day can be found here.
The UPU hosted its annual celebrations on World Post Day with special events commemorating its 150th anniversary. For more details, see below.
More about the event in photos can also be found here.
The UPU at 150: A Legacy of Global Cooperation and Communication
World Post Day Message from UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki
Message of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Post Day
Watch the colloquium video from here.
A special issue of selected papers from the Historians' colloquium published in the academic journal, Monde(s) can be accessed here.
In order to make the 150th anniversary awareness campaigns truly global, the UPU invites its member countries, postal operators and other postal enthusiasts to participate in its outreach efforts on social media by sharing their related content. The inputs will be used to spread the knowledge about the rich history of the postal sector, its proximity to people, creativity, persistent relevance, and commitment to sustainable development and socioeconomic growth.
Campaigns:
- #UniversalReach – Your most unusual delivery routes and post offices
- #PostalWomen and #SheStamps - all of the featured stamps and visuals can be found here.
More information about all campaigns and submission deadlines can be found here.
We invite you to join our outreach efforts by sending us content at communication[@]upu.int and also by amplifying our posts and using our hashtags, including the main anniversary hashtag: #UPU150. Our dedicated Trello board will be regularly updated with the official anniversary logos in all languages, animations, event branding and social media materials.
We look forward to receiving your content suggestions and celebrating #UPU150 together!
For any queries, comments or suggestions, please contact us at communication[@]upu.int.
For further information about anniversary events and campaigns, please contact the UPU team at UPU150[@]upu.int.