As young people gather this week for the Youth Assembly at the United Nations, the Universal Postal Union is asking budding writers to describe the world they envisage for the future as part of its 44th International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People.
The competition’s 2015 theme, "Write a letter about the world you want to grow up in", links to the post-2015 sustainable development goals, expected to be adopted next September by UN member states to further progress achieved with the 2000-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Young people’s involvement will be key in transitioning from the MDGs to the new sustainable development goals.
For Director General Bishar A. Hussein, the UPU's international contest gives youth an additional platform to air their views. “This year’s theme will surely inspire many young people, but their letters will also inspire us, too, as we work together on building a better-connected, inclusive and modern society,” he says.
About 60 countries and more than 1.5 million school children are expected to take part in the UPU’s annual competition. Countries have launched the contest nationally and have until 30 April 2015 to send the UPU in Switzerland the letter that will represent them at the international level. Winners receive gold, silver or bronze medals awarded by the UN specialized agency for postal services.
A jury of worldwide experts will select the best compositions. Winners will be announced this August, just before the UN’s special summit on sustainable development in September 2015.
Last year’s competition asked budding writers to explain how music can influence lives. A poignant letter written by 13-year-old Nataša Miloševic, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, earned her the gold medal.
Launched in 1971, the UPU competition offers millions of children and young adults the chance to understand the key social role that postal services play, while developing their composition skills and fostering a spirit of friendship internationally.
Winners normally receive their prizes on World Post Day, celebrated annually on 9 October.