Topical Information

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has announced the 55th International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People. The national stage in Bulgaria will be organized by Bulgarian Posts EAD with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Regional Education Authorities.

The competition is held annually and aims to encourage the development of writing skills, creativity, and critical thinking among students aged 9 to 15. It provides young people with the opportunity to express their ideas on important global topics by writing a letter. National winners advance to compete in the international final.

2026 Theme

Participants in 2026 are invited to write on the topic:

“Write a letter to a friend explaining why human connection is the most valuable thing in the digital world.”

The initiative seeks to foster young people’s talent worldwide and offers a platform for sharing their views and ideas on significant social issues.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for participation, entries must meet the following requirements:

• The participant must submit a completed parental/guardian consent declaration;

• The letter must address the announced theme;

• The author must be aged between 9 and 15, or must have turned 16 on or after 5 May 2026;

• The letter must not exceed 800 words;

• The letter must bear a postmark dated no later than the competition deadline;

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not permitted.

he letter ranked first at national level will be translated and submitted to the Universal Postal Union to compete in the 55th International Letter-Writing Competition alongside other national winners.

National Awards

The top three entries will receive the following prizes:

• First place – One-year Storytel subscription and a tablet;

• Second place – One-year Storytel subscription and an e-book reader;

• Third place – One-year Storytel subscription.

The names of the awarded participants will be published on the official website of Bulgarian Posts after the completion of the national stage. All distinguished entries will receive certificates.

The organizers emphasize that supporting children’s literacy and creative development is a cause of high public importance and an expression of social responsibility.

Deadline

The deadline for submitting letters is 20 March 2026.

Bulgarian Posts EAD has expressed its readiness to provide municipalities with banners, links, promotional materials, and press releases to support communication and promotion of the initiative.

More information is available on the official website of Bulgarian Posts EAD.