World Post Day

 

World Post Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of October and has been since 1969, after its declaration in Tokyo. This is to celebrate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 on Bern.

World Post Day is a United Nations Holiday. UN Secretary General writes, “Postal workers form a network that delivers more than mail. It delivers essential services, opportunity, and trust, reaching remote areas, connecting villages and cities, bridging the rural-urban divide, and creating a world that is within everyone’s reach.” (Un World Post Day)

 

Background of World Post Day

The purpose of this working holiday is to raise public awareness about the crucial role that the postal sector still plays in our everyday life and recognise its contributions to social and economic development.  In the digital world, postal services still play a vital role in connecting, supporting and providing access to connections and services around the world.

Currently, 150 countries celebrate this day; events are arranged all over. Many postal places from the post offices themselves to mailing rooms, have open days showing the general public the inner workings. Looking at the facilities, operations and systems used to run. Postal Museums might hold exhibitions and displays showing the history of mail. While some countries might release commemorative stamps and other themed merchandise. Often popular amongst the postal enthusiasts. These activities celebrate but also strengthen the role of the postal institution and communities.

Theme #PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach

World Post Day is an annual observation that is recognised by the United Nations, which strengthens its importance. Each year has a unique theme, and this year is ~PostForPeople, showcasing the role that the postal services still play in communities, trade and supporting individuals.

Although we are in a digital age where email, direct messaging, and other online communications dominate.  The postal sector still plays a crucial role around the world. The world faces a massive digital divide, which was highlighted even more during COVID. Despite more and more people living online, around a third of the world is estimated to be offline. Remote rural areas continue to struggle with connecting to the digital world. And half of the businesses around the world do not trade online. This can be a range of reasons, including connectivity issues, digital skills and limited access. With this, the postal sector still plays a critical role in making the world go round. Supporting economic activity, connecting people and helping people reach key correspondence, whether education, healthcare, financial or government.

While we are in a digital age, and many people might feel that email has taken over but the postal service is just as important. A third of the world is still offline, and half of businesses don’t trade online. This can be for many reasons, like remote rural areas, and this is where the post sector comes in.

So why not celebrate all the good work that they do.

Photo by Kutan Url

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