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Deadline: May 5, 2025
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter-Writing Competition is a prestigious global contest designed to promote literacy, creativity, and the art of letter-writing among young people. The 2025 edition challenges participants to craft an engaging and thoughtful letter on a given theme, encouraging them to reflect on social issues, communication, and cultural exchange.
The competition is open to youth aged up to 15 years old, and the best entries will be recognized with awards and a fully funded trip to Dubai, UAE, for the prize-giving ceremony. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young writers to gain international recognition and showcase their storytelling abilities.
Benefits
Participants in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition stand to gain several benefits, including:
- Fully Funded Trip to Dubai, UAE: The overall winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the awards ceremony.
- Recognition and Global Exposure: Winning entries will be published and promoted by the Universal Postal Union.
- Exciting Prizes: Certificates, medals, and other rewards will be given to top participants.
- Skill Development: Enhances writing, communication, and critical thinking skills.
- A Platform for Change: The competition allows young people to share their perspectives on global issues and inspire change through writing.
SEE ALSO: 2025 UNESCO Kulturweit Tandem Exchange Program for Young Africans (Funded to Germany)
Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.
Competition Rules
- Compositions must be in the form of a letter and contain the elements of a letter (heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line and postscript (optional).
- Entries must adhere strictly to the theme and not exceed 800 words in the original language.
- Submitted letters must be accompanied by a cover letter, entry form and high quality picture of the winner.
How the competition works:
Only young participants from 9 to 15 years may take part in the annual competition.
- Each country that decides to participate organizes its own national competition and selects national winner.
- Each country sends its first-prize letter to the UPU HQ in Berne, Switzerland to then compete for the top prizes at the international level.
- An international jury evaluates the letters and selects top three winners and up to five special mentions.
Prizes:
- The top three international prize-winners will receive a beautiful medal bearing their name, or a certificate (honourable mentions).
- If conditions permit, the UPU will arrange for the three prize-winners to attend a special awards ceremony in honour of their achievement. In 2025, this prestigious event is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the UAE, transport and accommodation will be provided for the three prize-winners and two accompanying adults per winner.
- The runners-up and national winners are generally celebrated at ceremonies organized by their home countries on World Post Day – 9 October – the anniversary of the founding of the UPU. We invite all participating countries to join in recognizing and honouring their winners on this special occasion.
