24th UPU congress in Nairobi Stamp issue date: 9 October 2007 The South African Post Office joins Post Offices from all over the African continent by issuing a miniature sheet in September 2007 to celebrate the 24th congress of the Universal Postal Union in Nairobi, Kenya. The joint stamp issue is on the theme of national or ceremonial costumes of participating countries. The complexity of South African society – which officially recognises 11 languages and roughly as many cultures – makes it hard to select one national costume that represents the whole of society. Instead, the miniature sheet uses the colours of the South African flag combined with the logo for the congress. The congress logo features the black, red and green colours of the Kenyan flag. During the Nairobi congress, matters of collective importance will be discussed, such as sustainable operations and adapting to changing needs of customers. About the Universal Postal Union With 191 member countries, this agency of the United Nations fulfils an advisory, and liaison role, and renders technical assistance. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail volumes and to improve the quality of service for customers. |