The Philately and Documentary Heritage Programme of the UPU International Bureau plays a central role in both developing the global philatelic sector and preserving the Union’s institutional memory.
As the secretariat of the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP), the programme coordinates the work of the WADP Management Committee and supports its various initiatives. It also manages the WADP Numbering System (WNS), an international stamp registration platform that helps fight illegal issues and promotes greater transparency across the philatelic market.
The programme is also responsible for maintaining the International Bureau’s universal postage stamp collection. This archive brings together thousands of stamps issued by designated operators since the 19th century. More than just a historical record, the collection is part of the UPU’s broader documentary heritage - carefully preserved, curated, and occasionally shared through exhibitions and institutional outreach.
Another key area of work involves the management of international reply coupons (IRCs), a unique instrument of international postal cooperation. The programme supports their issuance, distribution, and regulatory oversight in close collaboration with UPU member countries.
Finally, the programme maintains active relations with a wide network of stakeholders in the philatelic world, including the philatelic press, catalogue publishers, stamp dealers, security printers, and philatelic associations. These partnerships help strengthen dialogue and cooperation across the sector.
To support the philatelic market and assist designated operators in their activities, the UPU and the WADP draw up a development plan for each cycle, consisting of a four-year programme of training workshops on issues reflecting the needs of designated operators across the different geographical regions.
The UPU also organizes training workshops for philately managers from designated operators. These expert-led workshops aim to both encourage best practices and provide an opportunity for participants to exchange their experiences and knowledge.
A complete training package on philately is also available on the TRAINPOST platform.
In order to stem the tide of illegal issues, the UPU and WADP have implemented a number of concrete actions. The WADP established the World Numbering System (WNS), which records all new stamps legally issued by designated operators. Over time, the WNS has become not only a trusted international reference but also a powerful market development tool, offering access to the e-commerce platforms of issuing postal authorities.
Today, the WNS enters a new phase of innovation. With the launch of a dedicated mobile app powered by artificial intelligence (AI), users can now identify postage stamps instantly using their smartphone camera. This cutting-edge tool provides customs and law enforcement authorities with immediate support in verifying seized philatelic materials. By relying on the world’s largest certified stamp database, the WNS facilitates rapid detection of counterfeit items and strengthens cooperation between postal experts and border control agents.
UPU member countries are asked to report any illegal stamp issues to the International Bureau, which will inform the international philatelic community via a circular. Philatelic circulars are freely accessible on the UPU website, as part of the International Bureau’s efforts to raise awareness of this issue among designated operators and WADP partners.
The International Bureau’s Postal Security Programme also works to combat illegal issues.
These are stamps issued by the Swiss Post and intended for franking parcels and mail of the Universal Postal Union. However, general public and collectors may acquire these stamps, particularly for collecting purposes.
On 16 September 1957, the first series of six service stamps was issued for the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union. Since then, seventeen other UPU postage stamps have been issued.
The selection and research of themes as well as the elaboration of projects were carried out in close collaboration between the UPU International Bureau and the Swiss Post.
Philately is much more than just stamp collecting. It’s a journey through cultures, time periods, and ideas. It all began in 1840 with the Penny Black, the world’s first postage stamp, issued in the United Kingdom. For the first time, the sender - not the recipient - paid for delivery. This small piece of paper sparked a global revolution and gave birth to one of the world’s most popular hobbies.
Today, philately continues to evolve. While many collectors remain passionate about the history and beauty of classic stamps, others are exploring new formats: crypto stamps, digital collectibles, augmented reality stamps, and even NFTs. Stamps are becoming interactive, connected, and sometimes entirely virtual - but still full of meaning.
With the growth of e-commerce and digital tools, philately is crossing borders like never before: more accessible, more personalized, and more creative. It’s even attracting new audiences who see in stamps a blend of culture, technology, storytelling - and sometimes, investment potential.
Whatever form they take, stamps remain windows to the world. And they still have the power to surprise.