The International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People is an annual competition organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which is the United Nations specialized agency for postal services. The competition aims to encourage young people to develop their skills in composition and written expression, and to foster a better understanding of the role and importance of the postal sector in today's world.
The competition is open to young people aged 15 and under who are enrolled in school. Each year, the UPU sets a different theme for the competition, and participants are asked to write a letter addressing the theme.
Participants are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to express their ideas and opinions in a clear and effective manner. The letters should be written in the language of the country of origin or in one of the six official languages of the UPU (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish).
National competitions are held in each participating country, and the winners of these competitions are then submitted to the international competition. An international jury selects the three best letters from all entries received, and the winners are announced on October 9, which is World Post Day.
The first-place winner receives a prize of CHF 1,000 (Swiss francs), the second-place winner receives CHF 700, and the third-place winner receives CHF 500. In addition, each participating country may award prizes to their national winners.
The International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop their writing skills and to learn about the importance of the postal sector in today's world.
The competition is an excellent way for young people to express their creativity and ideas, and to develop their writing skills in a meaningful way. It also provides a platform for young people to share their perspectives on important social, economic, and cultural issues affecting their lives and their communities.
In addition to promoting the art of letter writing, the competition also highlights the role of the postal sector in connecting people and communities around the world. The UPU is committed to promoting the social and economic benefits of postal services, including the important role that postal services play in facilitating communication, commerce, and social inclusion.
Participating in the competition can be a rewarding experience for young people, as it provides an opportunity to showcase their talents and to connect with peers from around the world. National and international recognition can also be a source of pride and motivation for participants, and can inspire them to continue pursuing their interests and passions.
The UPU has been organizing the International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People since 1971. Over the years, the competition has become increasingly popular, with thousands of young people from around the world participating each year.
The competition provides an opportunity for young people to develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, research, and communication. Participants are encouraged to research the theme of the competition and to draw on their own experiences and perspectives to develop their letters. This process can help young people to develop their research and analytical skills, as well as their ability to articulate their ideas in writing.
In addition to developing their skills, participating in the competition can also be a fun and rewarding experience for young people. Writing a letter is a creative and personal process, and can be a way for young people to express themselves in a meaningful way. It can also be an opportunity to connect with other young people from around the world and to learn about different cultures and perspectives.
In addition to the benefits for young people who participate in the competition, the International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People also has broader social and educational benefits. By promoting the art of letter writing and encouraging young people to develop their writing skills, the competition contributes to the preservation and promotion of a valuable cultural tradition.
Moreover, the competition supports the UPU's broader mission of promoting social and economic development through the provision of postal services. The UPU is committed to promoting the social and economic benefits of postal services, including the important role that postal services play in facilitating communication, commerce, and social inclusion.
The competition also provides an opportunity for schools and educators to engage with their students on important social, economic, and cultural issues, and to support the development of their students' literacy and writing skills. Schools and educators can use the competition as a tool to promote creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness among their students
Overall, the International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People is a valuable initiative that promotes literacy, creativity, and global citizenship among young people. By encouraging young people to develop their writing skills and to express their ideas and perspectives, the competition helps to build a more inclusive, informed, and connected world.
Finally, the competition provides a platform for young people to engage with the United Nations and to learn about the work of the UPU. By participating in the competition, young people can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of international cooperation and the role that the United Nations plays in promoting social and economic development around the world.
