New UPU Headquarters
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | May 20, 1970 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 20 nP |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Black | Emerald | Grey |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 498 Stamp Number IN 514 Yvert et Tellier IN 298 Stanley Gibbons IN 612 |
| Themes | Buildings | Globes | Gods and goddesses | Monuments | Offices | Organizations | Postal Unions | U.P.U. |
The inauguration of the new building for the Secretariat of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) on May 20, 1970, in Berne, Switzerland, marks a significant milestone in the history of this venerable international organization. Established in 1874 with 21 countries as its founding members, the UPU has grown steadily over 95 years to encompass a membership of 142 countries. Recognized as a specialized agency of the United Nations, the UPU operates as a single postal territory where the freedom of transit of mails is guaranteed among its member countries.
Originally conceived as a regulatory body for facilitating the exchange of international mail, the UPU has evolved into an organization that fosters greater international cooperation and understanding. This transformation began in 1947 with the establishment of the Executive and Liaison Committee, which functioned between the plenipotentiary conferences of the Union, held once every five years. In addition to its administrative functions, this committee was tasked with conducting technical studies for the benefit of member countries.
Recognizing the importance of improving postal services, the UPU formed the Consultative Committee for Postal Studies in 1957. This committee focuses on studying technical, economic, and operational aspects of postal services, ranging from mechanization to the modernization requirements of developing countries. As a result, the UPU has actively promoted technical cooperation, as outlined in its constitution, which emphasizes the development of international technical cooperation.
India has been actively involved in the work of the UPU, contributing as a member of the Executive Council and the Management Council of the Consultative Committee for Postal Studies. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department commemorates the inauguration of the new UPU headquarters by issuing a postage stamp depicting a sketch of the new building along with the symbol of the Universal Postal Union. This stamp symbolizes India’s commitment to the goals and activities of the UPU and celebrates the organization’s ongoing efforts to enhance global postal services and cooperation.