World Post Day

World Post Day celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union, which was created to facilitate the exchange of mail internationally. In the 17th and 18th century, many national postage systems were set up, and afterwards many countries entered into bilateral postal agreements to help with the exchange of mail between countries. As more and more countries entered into bilateral agreements, efficiency lessened and it became apparent an international organization could help remedy the situation. A conference of 15 European and American countries came together in 1863 and discussed the principles of a mutual agreement, but no agreement was signed. Another conference opened in September of 1874, in Berne, Switzerland, and delegates from 22 countries were present. On October 9 a treaty was signed establishing the General Postal Union. More countries quickly joined the union and its name was changed to the Universal Postal Union in 1878. The union became an agency of the United Nations in 1948, and at the Universal Postal Union Congress, in 1969, delegates voted that each October 9 should be designated as World Post Day.

How to Observe World Post Day

Celebrate the day by reading or watching speeches or proclamations that high ranking officials make about national and international postal services on the day. Special postage stamps are often printed around the world at this time to commemorate postal services, and you could celebrate the day by buying some of these stamps. Since 1971 an international letter writing competition for young people has taken place to celebrate the day, and you could celebrate yourself by writing a letter to someone. It would be most fitting to write to someone who lives in another country.

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