UPU International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People

The UPU’s International Letter-Writing Competition aims to improve literacy through the art of letter-writing. Targeted at children and young people, the annual competition encourages participants to express their creativity and refine their language skills.

Participation

The competition is open to participants up to the age of 15 years as on 31.03.2023

The UPU International Bureau does not accept compositions sent directly by schools, individuals or similar.

Recognizing safety as a critical component of its mission and in support of the UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety, the UPU, in partnership with the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), will hold its 52nd International Letter-Writing Competition in 2023 under the theme:

"Imagine you are a super hero and your mission is to make all roads around the world safer for children. Write a letter to someone explaining which super powers you would need to achieve your mission."

Each member country then organizes a letter-writing competition on the theme in its territory as it sees fit but preferably with the help of its national education authorities.

The national organizing body/bodies choose the best composition in accordance with the general rules of the competition.

Each member country then sends the International Bureau its best national message, with the supporting documents (see below), by no later than 5 May of the following year.  Only one entry per member country is permitted.

Each entry must be accompanied by the following documents:
a A completed entry form;
b The original letter in the following formats:
– a good-quality scan, in colour, of the handwritten original (if available) in PDF format; and
– as a Word document;
c A translation of the letter in English and/or French, as a Word document; and
d A good-quality photograph of the candidate:
– in JPEG format (300 dpi minimum); or
– as a print copy (please do not staple or glue the photo to any of the documents if sending by post).

Presentation and content of entries

The original letter may include illustrations from the candidate. Entries must adhere strictly to the theme and not exceed the limit of 800 words in the original language. 

At the national level, the competition is organized by UPU member countries, which present one winning letter to the international jury convened by the UPU. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than 5 May each year.

Prizes

The top winners will receive a special medal (gold for first prize, silver for second, and bronze for third) and a certificate, as well as other prizes to commemorate their win (such other prizes to be decided by the UPU).

The gold medallist may also be offered a trip to the UPU headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, or an alternative prize to be decided at the sole discretion of the UPU. 

Writers awarded a special mention will also receive a certificate as well as other prizes (such other prizes to be decided by the UPU). 

UPU Letter Writing Competition by Indiapost for Indian students

UPU letter writing competition, organized by the Department of Posts, Government of India at various Postal Circles in the country.

Date and Time of on the spot competition will be announced by India Post

National Level Prizes

First: 50000 and certificate

Second: 3000 and certificate

Third: 2000 and certificate

Consolation: 1000 to the best entry from each postal circle

Duration of the competition is one hour

For further information contact the Chief Postmaster General of your postal circle or region

Best of the Best Letters : Read the best letters from the  International Letter-Writing Competition