Bern: October 9 marks World Post Day, an annual celebration commemorating the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was declared World Post Day during the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969. Since then, countries worldwide have participated in the celebrations, with many postal services using the occasion to introduce or promote new products and services.

In 2015, nations globally committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on ending poverty and hunger, fighting inequality, and reversing climate change. The postal sector plays a crucial role in this effort by providing infrastructure for development. This year’s theme, “Post for People: Local Service. Global Reach,” underscores the significance of postal services as gateways to the digital economy, particularly in remote areas where they may be the only public access point.

The purpose of World Post Day is to raise awareness of the postal sector’s role in daily life and its contribution to social and economic development. Celebrations encourage member countries to engage the public and media with activities that highlight their postal services’ roles and achievements. Annually, over 150 countries celebrate World Post Day, with some observing it as a working holiday. Events often include promoting new postal products, rewarding employees for exemplary service, and organizing philatelic exhibitions, new stamps, and cancellation marks.

Additional activities marking the day include displaying World Post Day posters, hosting open days at post offices and mail centers, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops. Cultural, sporting, and recreational events also take place, and many postal administrations issue special souvenirs such as T-shirts and badges. In countries participating in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition, national winners are often recognized on October 9.