International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People 2026
Date/Time
Date(s) - 25/03/2026 - 05/05/2026
All Day
Categories
The 2026 International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People is accepting entries until 5 May 2026. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) invite young writers worldwide aged 9-15 years (inclusive) to reflect on why human connection matters in an increasingly digital world and to share these reflections in a letter to a friend.
Theme for 2026
Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.
In a world shaped by digital technologies – from social media and messaging apps to artificial intelligence and robotics – the way people connect with one another is changing. While digital tools can bring people together, they can also deepen feelings of loneliness and social isolation when meaningful human connection is missing.
By writing a letter to a friend, children are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and to explore how simple acts of communication can foster empathy, kindness and understanding. Through their words, young people can share ideas on how to nurture friendships, stay connected and strengthen human bonds – both offline and online – in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
This year’s theme builds on WHO-led global evidence showing that social connection is a vital part of overall health and well-being, as well as physical and mental health. Meaningful relationships help reduce loneliness, strengthen empathy, support inclusion and contribute to healthier, more resilient individuals and communities.
More information
https://unric.org/en/international-letter-writing-competition-for-young-people/