On 20 February 2025, during the UPU Postal Operations Council (POC) session at its headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, the UPU recognized the awardees of the 19th UPU Competition Class. This philatelic competition is organized by groups (A, B and C) where originality, quality, philatelic significance, and contributions to humanitarian causes, are recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) and the UPU. Slovakia, Macao (China) and Greece trusted the top honours of each group. Morocco, Belarus, Romania, and the United Nations Postal Administrations claimed respectively the silver medals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH Post, Sarajevo), Türkiye and France received the bronze medals for 2024.
A new feature in 2024 was the exhibition of these collections across three continents through newly established partnerships, which resulted in several notable additional awards. Therefore, Tunisia was acclaimed by visitors to the WESTPEX show in San Francisco, USA, and the United Nations Postal Administration in Shanghai, China, was awarded local public prize.The art of philately: UPU competition shines a spotlight on postal operators
In an era of rapid digital transformation, philately remains a unique combination of art, culture, history, and innovation. Stamps are more than just the illustration of a postage fee, they serve as miniature canvases that capture the reflection of our societies, national identities, commemorations, significant events, and reflect their general progress. As the world embraces new technologies, the philatelic landscape has always evolved accordingly, sometimes even as a pioneer by incorporating digital innovations while preserving its rich heritage far beyond other activities.
The UPU Class of Competition stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity. By recognizing excellence in stamp design and production, this competition not only honours craftsmanship but also strengthens the cultural and historical significance of philately in a fast-changing world.
Founded in 2008 through collaboration between the UPU and the FIP, the competition provides a unique platform for postal operators to showcase their artistry, craftsmanship, and philatelic innovations. The first competition took place in Bucharest, Romania, and has been held annually ever since. Aligned with major world philatelic exhibitions, these competitions bridge the past and present, complementing historical displays with a fresh perspective on modern philately. The public, collectors, and dealers have the opportunity to explore and compare the expertise of postal operators.
Benjamin Combes, Philately Development and Documentary Heritage Programme Manager, explains “the UPU’s international competition class is an opportunity for each operator to create a cost-effective way to showcase their philatelic know-how, the ‘made in’ of each country, visible at numerous exhibitions around the world.”
The competition is structured into three groups to ensure fair representation for all participating countries. Group A consists of countries issuing fewer than 30 stamps per year, Group B includes countries producing between 30 and 69 stamps annually, and Group C is made up of countries with prolific stamp production, exceeding 70 stamps per year. Each year, the FIP and UPU-accredited experts evaluate each submission, honouring the most outstanding contributions with certificates of excellence. The 19th 2024 Competition showed a remarkable visibility from around the world, continuing the tradition of celebrating creativity and innovation in philately.
Innovations in philately: sustainable, digital, and interactive
Starting in 2024, the UPU and FIP have made significant strides in expanding their presence worldwide. Throughout the year, the 19th Competition Class has travelled across the world, showcasing its exhibits at four major international philatelic events. Spanning three continents, with displays in Asia, Europe, and North America, the competition has played a key role in promoting modern philately and was warmly received at each venue. Each operator had their work displayed in traditional sixteen-page panels, focusing on themes such as sustainable development, peacekeeping, and gender equality. These themes reflect their philatelic programmes over the last three years. Every stamp is accompanied by full technical details, including its value, purpose, and release date.
A major innovation introduced in 2024 was the full online availability of the UPU Competition Class content on the UPU website. For the first time, enthusiasts and professionals can explore the competition’s exhibits and detailed information virtually.
In 2025, the 20th UPU Competition Class is featured at several prestigious international philatelic exhibitions while still renewing itself with over 30 percent of new countries participating. The journey began in Punta del Este, Uruguay, at URUGUAY 2025 in February, to be followed by BERNABA 2025 in Bern, Switzerland, from 14 to 17 May. In August, the competition will make its way to Chicago, USA, for GASS 2025, before concluding in Seoul, South Korea, at PHILAKOREA 2025 in September.
To enhance the appeal and interactivity of its Competition Classes, the UPU has introduced QR codes placed beneath each exhibition frame.
To enhance the appeal and interactivity of its Competition Classes, the UPU has introduced QR codes displayed beneath each exhibition frame. The QR codes direct visitors to the respective postal operators’ e-commerce platforms and display the World Numbering System (WNS) reference at http://www.wnsstamps.post, while also providing access to high-definition images of the exhibited stamps and their detailed technical information on the WNS website. This allows visitors not only to purchase stamps directly from postal operators’ e-shops but also to access these operators' entire philatelic output. This initiative elevates the visibility of the WNS, strengthens the connection between traditional philately and e-commerce, and fosters the growth of online philatelic trade.
With the continuous advancement of digital technology, the UPU has been making significant strides in driving innovation within the philatelic field. As early as 2023, the UPU POC approved the first-ever set of recommended definitions for digital stamps, crypto stamps, and non-fungible token (NFT) stamps, paving the way for innovative advancements in the postal industry and providing standardization guidance for the philatelic sector. As proof of its growing acceptance within the global philatelic community, the 2024 contribution of the United Nations Postal Administration featuring its own Crypto Stamps was enthusiastically received by the public and prominently presented alongside traditional entries.
As the 19th UPU Competition Class has now closed, it has reaffirmed its role as a bridge between philatelic tradition and modern innovation. The 19th Competition Class has showcased the artistic heritage of postal operators while embracing cutting-edge digital advancements. From the introduction of NFTs and Crypto Stamps to their growing influence in the philatelic landscape, these four philatelic exhibitions in 2024 successfully merged the classic charm of philately with the limitless possibilities of technology, demonstrating how digital collectibles are reshaping the future of postage.
This article first appeared in Union Postale Spring 2025.