New UPU Headquarters

On May 20, 1970, India Post issued a 20 paise stamp to commemorate the Inauguration of the New Headquarters of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Bern, Switzerland. This issue celebrated the completion of a modern architectural landmark for the UPU, which has served as the heartbeat of global postal coordination since its establishment by the Treaty of Bern in 1874. The stamp honors the UPU’s pivotal role as a specialized agency of the United Nations, responsible for ensuring the "single postal territory" concept. This principle allows mail to move across international borders under standardized rules and rates, effectively making global communication a universal right. By featuring the new headquarters, the stamp recognized the transition of the postal world into a more modern, integrated era of technological and logistical cooperation. For philatelists, this release is a significant part of "Postal History" themes, as it pays tribute to the very organization that makes international philately possible. It remains a symbol of global unity and the enduring importance of written communication in bridging the gap between diverse nations and cultures.

Technical data Notes Condition

Date of issue May 20, 1970

Denomination 20 nP

Quantity printed 3000000

Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik

Perforation comb 13

Watermark No Watermark

Colours Black | Emerald | Grey

Catalogue 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.

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About this stamp

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.