World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern, according to the official website of UN.
It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.
In 2015 countries all over the world committed themselves to working together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end extreme poverty and hunger, fight inequality and injustice, and take action to reverse climate change - to name just some of these 17 agreed new Goals. Playing its part in this global effort, the Post today has a more relevant role than ever by providing infrastructure for development.
2025 theme: Post for People: Local Service. Global Reach.
With over one third of people offline and half of businesses not trading online, post offices—often the only public access point in remote areas—are vital gateways to the digital economy.
Under the theme Post for People: Local Service. Global Reach, this year’s campaign highlights the Post as a vital public service rooted in communities and driven by people. From rural villages to urban centres, the Post connects people and opens doors to the world.
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.
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 centres 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.
For countries participating in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition, national winners are often honoured on 9 October.
