The Universal Postal Union (UPU) announces the launch of the 54th edition of the International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, scheduled for 2025.
Closing date for entries: 05 May 2025.
This year, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the competition aims to inspire young writers across the globe to reflect on the vital importance of protecting our seas and oceans.
Background
Since its inception in 1971, the UPU has encouraged young writers between the ages of 9 and 15 to express their thoughts and creativity through letter writing based on a designated theme.
This competition not only cultivates writing skills and clear expression but also fosters a love for letter writing and promotes international friendship among youth.
Each year, the UPU’s International Bureau selects and announces a theme, which participating countries then adopt for their national competitions, often in collaboration with educational authorities and the media. A distinguished international jury evaluates submissions and selects overall winners and those deserving special recognition.
Theme for 2025
This year’s theme underscores the significance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which is focused on the conservation and sustainable management of our oceans, seas, and marine resources.
“Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.”
Through this collaboration, the competition highlights UPU’s mission to encourage literacy and communication, while also addressing the urgent need for marine ecosystem preservation, alongside the commitments of the IMO and UNESCO.
Young participants are invited to give voice to the ocean, exploring its beauty, challenges, and our collective responsibility to protect it.
Participation in this competition will engage young minds in contemplating their role in fostering a sustainable future, enhancing awareness of marine conservation, and understanding the interconnectedness of global ecosystems.
Competition Rules
- Letters must be in proper letter format, including heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line, and an optional postscript.
- Entries should adhere to the theme and must not exceed 800 words in the original language.
- Each submission must include a cover letter, entry form, and a high-quality picture of the participant.
How the Competition Works
- Open to young participants aged 9 to 15 years.
- Participating countries will each hold a national competition to select their winners.
- Each country will submit its first-prize letter to UPU Headquarters in Berne, Switzerland for international evaluation.
- An international jury will determine the top three winners and up to five special mentions.
Jury Designation and Announcement of Results
An international jury selected by the UPU’s International Bureau will judge the letters and announce winners via the UPU website and social media channels.
Prizes
The top three international winners will receive a prestigious medal engraved with their name or a certificate for honorable mentions.
If circumstances allow, the UPU will host the winners for a special awards ceremony in 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with travel and accommodations provided for the winners and two accompanying adults.
National winners will also be celebrated during ceremonies in their home countries on World Post Day (October 9).
About Participation
Interested participants are encouraged to consult the Participants Guide 2025 and contact their national postal operator for further guidance on how to take part in this inspiring competition.
For more details on the competition rules and participation, please read here. Join UPU in this exciting opportunity to give voice to the ocean and foster a new generation of writers dedicated to environmental stewardship!
- Click here to read the competition rules.
- Click here to participate/ enter the competition.
Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than 05 May 2025.
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