Madrid, October 9^th 2024.- Correos joins the celebration of the World Post Day today, October 9, in commemoration of the date of creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), in a very special year as this specialized UN agency – since 2024 -celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Under the motto “150 years of commitment to communication and development for people all over the world”, the UPU recalls on this day the importance of the postal network as an example of global cooperation, innovation and inclusiveness.

The purpose of World Post Day is to raise awareness about the relevance of mail in people’s and companies’ daily lives, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development in a digital and diverse world. With more than 660,000 post offices, 5 million workers and an annual mailing volume of over 350 billion letters and 6.4 billion parcels, the world postal network remains the largest physical distribution network in the world and one of the very few that reaches to the last corner of the planet.

In recent decades, the extensive network woven between all postal operators has been adapted to offer a wider range of services, including ecommerce and financial, social and digital services, ensuring inclusive access for people all over the world, even in the most remote areas, so as not to leave anyone behind.

150th anniversary of the UPU

The Universal Postal Union, the United Nations agency specializing in postal services, was founded in Bern in 1874 and is one of the earliest examples of multilateralism. Since its origins it aimed to create a unified postal system and has evolved over time into the world’s largest network for communication, cultural exchange and access to essential services. From the original 22 nations to its current 192 member countries, the UPU demonstrates the strength of international cooperation by example every day.

Over its 150-year history, the UPU has adapted to challenges such as wars, crises, and rapid technological change. It has been maintained as a strong symbol of international unity, ensuring that communication is accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable. Today, the UPU leads efforts to modernize and improve postal services. Provides a space for countries to exchange experiences, find new solutions and address global challenges such as climate change that require cross-border cooperation.

As UPU’s Director-General, Japanese Masahiko Metoki, said in his message for World Post Day: “As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: connect and empower people around the world. By remaining committed to multilateralism, innovation and inclusiveness, the UPU will continue to support global communication and serve future generations for the next 150 years.”

Commemorative stamp
Correos has joined in commemorating this significant historic milestone with the issue of a special stamp that not only celebrates the legacy of the Universal Postal Union, but also symbolizes the importance of the mail in an increasingly interconnected world. The design of the stamp shows the back of an envelope with the image of the Post Office’s cornamuse and the logo of the UPU 150th anniversary.

Correos invites all citizens to celebrate “World Post Day” and congratulates all its personnel for contributing with their daily work and dedication to the social recognition of postal services and the upgrading of the worldwide postal family.

Technical specifications:

• Series: ANNIVERSARIES
• Issue : 150^th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union
• Issue date: 9 October 2024
• Printing technique: Offset
• Stamp size: 24,5 x 35 mm (vertical)
• Paper: self-adhesive, phosphorescent
• Face value: € 2,10
• Print run: 300.000