The competition is co-organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, and relevant units on the theme of “Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Tran Thanh Ha, noted that while the digital world enables borderless communication, unlimited learning opportunities and instant access to knowledge, it can also leave people feeling isolated, with “each person behind a screen,” lacking direct listening, empathy and sharing.

“The theme invites us to reflect on what truly creates human connection, how technology can become a bridge rather than a barrier, and how each of us, through a simple handwritten letter, can bring warmth and support to one another,” she said.

The competition encourages both literacy and creativity through the art of letter writing on a given theme among young people aged between 9 and 15. Each contestant is required to submit a handwritten letter of less than 800 words before March 5, 2026.

The contestants can write their letters in any language, but foreign-language letters must be accompanied by their translations into Vietnamese, which will be the language used for judgement.

Adopted at the UPU’s 1969 Tokyo Congress and launched in 1971, the UPU has encouraged the young to write letters on a given theme in order to win exciting prizes.

Winners of 53rd UPU letter-writing contest announced

A ceremony was held in the northern province of Ninh Binh on May 17 to announce and honour the winners of the 53rd Universal Postal Union (UPU) letter-writing competition for young people.