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In 2020, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) selected the theme 'Write a message to an adult about the world we live in' for its 49th international letter-writing competition aimed at youth.
This theme aims to encourage students under 15 to express their thoughts and perceptions about the world while nurturing their understanding of societal roles and responsibilities.
For those struggling with ideas, referencing Mytour.vn's sample letter for the 49th UPU competition can help in choosing a theme and developing content that meets requirements, thereby increasing one's chances of winning awards.
Crafting a Letter for UPU 2020: The Best Sample Letters for the 49th Edition
The 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020
1. Guidelines for the 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition
As per the regulations of the organizing committee of the 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020 in Vietnam, all students under 15 years old are eligible to participate in this competition. The participation period is from December 6, 2019, to February 25, 2020 (according to the postmark). Entries must be handwritten in prose, not exceeding 800 words, with creative content, not previously published as books or in newspapers.
2. Writing Techniques for the 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020
To make the UPU 2020 competition entries outstanding, creative, and in line with the requirements of the organizing committee, students need to grasp the writing techniques for the 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020. Specifically, they should:
- Write creatively with a strong personal touch, closely related to the theme 'the world we live in' and the pressing social issues of humanity such as climate change, environmental pollution, school violence, war, women's rights, etc.
- Articles must have a clear structure, coherent presentation, rich emotions, satisfying the criteria set by the organizers.
- You can refer to ideas, sample articles on the internet but should not copy 100%. Entries of this type will be immediately disqualified by the organizers.
3. Sample letter for UPU 49th edition in 2020
To best support the process of finding writing ideas for students, Mytour.vn has compiled some sample UPU 2020 letter writing topics on themes such as Coronavirus, air pollution, environment, children, Facebook social media,... Students can refer to each topic below.
3.1. Writing UPU letter for the 49th edition in 2020 about the environment
At the beginning of 2020, Australia endured over 200 bushfires, causing widespread smoke across the city, resulting in serious damage to humans, property, and wildlife. Therefore, students can choose bushfires as the main content for their entry in the UPU 49th edition in 2020 letter writing competition.
Penning the 49th UPU letter: A Message of Gratitude to our Firefighters
A Letter of Appreciation to the Australian Firefighters!
The image of the compassionate bear aiding a koala to drink water truly struck a chord with many, including myself, an ordinary middle school student in Vietnam. As someone directly involved in firefighting efforts, you must have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of the recent bushfires in Australia on the country's ecosystem.
From what I've gathered, tens of millions of hectares of forests have been engulfed by flames, thousands of homes destroyed, approximately 1 billion wildlife perished, and several rare species pushed to the brink of extinction. Most heart-wrenching is the loss of over 30 lives, including firefighters and pilots involved in firefighting operations.
Amidst the blaze, air quality plummeted to hazardous levels, with smoke from the fires traveling 11,000 km across the Pacific to reach Chile and Argentina. NASA once estimated that over 300 million tons of CO2 were emitted from the fires. The damages inflicted by the bushfires are immeasurable.
It's truly worrisome to witness the recent surge in large-scale forest fires, epitomized by the Amazon rainforest inferno, the world's largest 'green lung,' last year in 2019. Brazil bore the initial brunt, followed by neighboring nations, ultimately impacting the entire globe.
Vietnam, my homeland, also endured a major forest fire in Ha Tinh province last year, consuming countless human and material resources to contain and extinguish.
In such forest fires, the causes often stem from human activity, whether inadvertent or deliberate in the habit of forest clearing through burning. These incidents should have been prevented to avoid the horrific consequences of massive wildfires.
Moreover, prolonged abnormal heatwaves resulting from climate change are also contributing factors to forest fires, and recent natural disasters should serve as a wake-up call for us to pay more attention to protecting the environment and ecosystems at large.
Hopefully, in this Internet age where people can witness firsthand the devastating effects of wildfires, such as the famous image of koalas affected by the Australian bushfires, environmental awareness will be heightened like never before.
3.2. Sample writing of the 49th UPU letter on the Corona pandemic in 2020
Following the Lunar New Year festivities in 2020, the Covid-19 outbreak emerged in Wuhan, China, swiftly spreading to most countries worldwide. Recently, WHO declared Covid-19 a 'pandemic,' urging concerted efforts from nations to combat it. Those interested in understanding the Covid-19 virus can observe the real-life anti-epidemic measures in Vietnam and express their thoughts in their entry for the 49th UPU letter-writing competition in 2020.
Writing for the 49th UPU letter-writing competition in 2020: The Corona pandemic
Dear Mr. Phung Xuan Nha, Minister of Education of Vietnam
Dear Sir,
In these days (since the Lunar New Year of 2020), my younger siblings and I have been on a break from school, staying at home. Despite our young age, through conversations with our parents and news broadcasts, we have come to understand that Vietnam and the world are grappling with a dreadful pandemic called Covid-19.
At home, my mother has purchased numerous hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, garlic, onions, and medical face masks. She explains that despite the soaring prices, we must stock up at home to prepare for when we return to school in the near future.
Yesterday, through my mother's Facebook, I listened to a doctor from the ENT hospital read an article. The doctor mentioned that they now have to use cloth masks instead of medical masks at the hospital, and the shortage situation is evident.
Also yesterday, I read in the newspaper that the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised providing adequate personal protective equipment to healthcare workers involved in combating Covid-19. WHO also added that the shortage of PPE is putting doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff at risk when caring for Covid-19 patients.
Dear Minister,
In the 2 days before school closure due to the pandemic, my teacher informed me that this disease spreads very easily from person to person through close contact and droplets. Those at high risk of transmission are close contacts and doctors.
The daily images broadcasted on television are enough for a young child like me to understand that the pandemic situation is still tense. It's the doctors who are the frontline warriors. They safeguard everyone's safety, treat those infected, and are the forefront force in preventing the spread of the disease.
Many doctors live in hospitals, tirelessly treating patients and containing the outbreak.
Contrary to popular belief, WHO claims to be facing a shortage of protective equipment such as medical masks.
Dear Dr. Nhạ,
Our country has millions of students, all of whom are well cared for and protected by their parents, schools, and society.
Even during school breaks, parents and teachers still visit the school once or twice a week to clean the classrooms.
When we go out with our parents, they always ensure we have the best, most spacious seats, and we're well-covered.
As we prepare to return to school, we trust that our schools are ready. Moreover, our learning environment is enclosed, with minimal risk of exposure to outsiders, minimizing the chance of spreading illnesses.
Therefore, I believe, as the Minister of Education, you can encourage parents and teachers to guide students in using masks appropriately, economically, or not using medical masks if not absolutely necessary.
I hope for an appeal, contributing medical masks to healthcare workers with protective equipment. Families should increase the use of fabric masks, antibacterial fabric masks. If you still have supplies at home, be willing to donate medical masks to those most in need.
Health is the most valuable asset of every individual, so I think taking care of and providing the best conditions for those who maintain their health - doctors, is a rightful thing to do.
Why am I writing a letter to you instead of the Minister of Health? Because I know your impact on the teaching and student community will help convey the message to every family, fastest, widest, and most effectively.
As for myself, if returning to school soon, I will wear a fabric mask. I will maximize saving the use of medical masks so that my mother does not have to find ways to buy expensive ones, so that doctors are not short of supplies due to market shortages.
I bid you farewell. Wishing you good health!
3.3. Penning a Letter to UPU 49th Edition 2020 Regarding Facebook
Alongside its conveniences (chatting, entertainment, connecting with friends, colleagues, family, etc.), Facebook also brings forth numerous drawbacks to individuals, particularly the phenomenon of 'Facebook addiction' among the youth. If you've been using Facebook and vaguely acknowledging its negative impacts on your own and your family's studies, you can write a letter to UPU 49th Edition 2020 concerning Facebook and send it to the program's organizing committee.
Guidelines for Writing to UPU 49th Edition 2020: Sending to the Homeroom Teacher
Hanoi, December 15th, 2020
Respected Homeroom Teacher,
Since the beginning of the school year up to now, nearly a semester has passed since you've been our homeroom teacher, and I've always held special admiration for you as a highly respected and dedicated teacher to the students.
However, there's one thing that makes me slightly hesitant, and that's her strictness when it comes to students using Facebook. So today, I want to share a bit of our students' perspective through these letters.
Actually, I can understand why she and many adults are so strict and 'allergic' to Facebook. The phenomenon of 'Facebook addiction' nowadays can be considered a problem that needs to be restrained and adjusted as it causes many undesired consequences.
Facebook is a social network where we chat, relax, entertain, share, and express feelings. It could be said that Facebook is a whole new world where we can freely converse, chat, and even get to know many celebrities through this network system.
Facebook is also one of the forms of entertainment, and many young people turn to it to relieve stress, find empathy, and share emotions with those around them. It allows us to know the mood and feelings of those around us without meeting them. It's simple and convenient.
However, Facebook is a network that is easy to get addicted to if users don't know how to control their time and themselves. You take care of your Facebook for likes, comments; you continuously scroll through information. This also makes each person feel happy, but if not careful, these things can quickly pull people into this virtual world, making it difficult to break away.
Many young people nowadays spend too much time scrolling through Facebook every day: they Facebook while studying, while working, while hanging out with friends, and even take photos with their parents to upload on Facebook. It seems that without Facebook, many people feel life is incredibly dull and tasteless.
Many middle and high school students nowadays are also getting drawn into Facebook. The smartphone becomes an indispensable item, and they spend too much time on it. The crucial thing is that as a result, the time for their studies diminishes.
Sometimes, you might think having a friends list with thousands of people is impressive, but you may not realize that you're narrowing down many relationships around you.
Close relationships become distant, the space for friends shrinks, study time gets interrupted, and your mind gradually loses emotions due to these 'virtual' things, even easily drifting into unhealthy cultures.
When falling into such a situation, the consequences usually include poor grades, academic performance, and a decline in discipline and conduct. It's truly sad and undeserving.
Nevertheless, I believe that when we students understand and overcome the contradictory aspects of the Facebook environment, the whole world will open up beautifully.
I believe that Facebook or the online environment, in general, can help enhance interaction and learning among class members. And I believe that each student, behaving appropriately on Facebook, can make life better.
The severe air pollution primarily caused by vehicle emissions is estimated to be exacerbated by up to 8.5 million vehicles operating here.
Recently, the New Delhi Energy Resources Institute and the American Institute of Health Impact jointly released a study showing that 3,000 people die in New Delhi each year due to air pollution.
In a recent announcement by Chinese officials, Beijing is placed under a red alert for air pollution, possibly indicating a major air pollution crisis on a large scale.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the level of smog in China is more than 50 times higher than the organization's recommended safe level. A staggering figure that will surely alarm many regarding the level of pollution in China is 4,000 deaths per day due to pollution in China.
It is evident that air pollution significantly affects human health, with children being the most vulnerable group to health impacts due to air pollution.
If humans do not have environmental awareness, the consequences of it may be as horrendous as the HIV-AIDS pandemic or many other infectious diseases.
Just about a week ago, the charming capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, had to witness its residents constantly fretting over the air quality, particularly the alarming level of fine dust. People grew even more anxious as the air they breathe daily was likened to 'apocalyptic atmosphere' in a report by Singapore's Channel News Asia.
From the daily activities and transportation of the locals to the studies and analyses of experts, all indicate a 'skyless' Hanoi, a city engulfed in smoke, dust, and pollution rapidly escalating.
If you were to live in Hanoi, chances are you wouldn't find it difficult to come across the sight of people wearing masks and equipping themselves from head to toe with 'armor' against the dust when venturing out during the day. Stepping out without this 'armor' would result in dusty clothes and a noticeable layer of dust on the face.
Many experts attribute 70% of Hanoi's air pollution to transportation. This assertion holds ground as current estimates suggest the capital has 5.3 million motorcycles and 560,000 cars. These numbers are projected to increase by 11% annually for motorcycles and 17% for cars.
At this rate, by the year 2020, there would be nearly 1 million cars and 7 million motorcycles jostling for space on Hanoi's streets. The significant rise in the number of private vehicles is attributed to the scarcity of public transportation, the lack of pedestrian culture, and a segment of the population purchasing vehicles to showcase social status. Gridlock exacerbates the environmental pollution problem.
I hope that adults will come together to contribute to effectively addressing the environmental pollution issue, aiming for a greener world free from pollution.
3.5. Penning the 49th UPU International Letter on Children's Developmental Rights in 2020
Best UPU 49th International Letter of 2020 on Children's Rights
Letter to Adults
We are living in a society full of changes and ups and downs. Everyone seeks happiness, including children. We, as the generation to come, wish to convey our messages and aspirations so that both adults and children can live happily together in this world.
Firstly, adults should respect the opinions of children, instead of judging, they should respect those opinions. Who knows those seemingly crazy ideas might help children achieve their dreams? Everyone needs to be respected and understood, and so do children. As long as those opinions do not harm the law or life, please respect your children because every mind is genius in its own way. What children expect most is to receive listening, understanding, help, and encouragement from adults. Even if adults can't help, please don't judge, listening is the minimum thing to do.
Secondly, adults should let children explore the world around them with their own feet. Even if their feet hurt, even if their clothes get dirty, those will be the wonderful first experiences of the child's life. Adults should only intervene when absolutely necessary or truly urgent. Otherwise, the best way to teach children is to let them have a sense of self-learning from an early age, with adults playing the role of guidance and direction.
On Tuesdays, parents should teach their children to live honestly and compassionately from a young age. These are two essential qualities every child should possess. It's not about how smart a child is, they must know honesty and compassion towards their peers from an early age. Only when a child knows love can they be ready for other cultural lessons in school.
On Wednesdays, parents should put down their smartphones and spend more time with their children. Being close to parents makes them more confident and dynamic. Parents should take time to play or talk with their children whenever possible. And remember, be a listener to your child, not an adult who constantly lectures them.
Above are four messages that adults should do to help their children have a better life, helping their children is also helping the future generations of society. Adults should sacrifice and serve for the sake of children.
3.6. Guidelines for writing the 49th UPU letter in 2020 on creativity in the 4.0 era
Guidelines for writing the 49th UPU letter in 2020 about creativity in technology era
Dear beloved brother,
A few days back, I heard about how you decided not to stick to the conventional job at the company and instead ventured into a new tech business model. Your determination truly impresses me.
Through many stories, we've seen how innovation, creativity, and being a trailblazer can lead to remarkable breakthroughs. I believe you can be one of the exemplary success stories of this creative young generation.
Innovation is the human endeavor to discover and create new material and spiritual values that didn't exist before. Sometimes, mistakes happen during innovation, and there's always a risk. But as Steve Jobs, the genius creator who conquered the world with Apple products, once said: 'You may make mistakes in innovation. What's important is to admit it quickly and keep striving.' This message gives us a lot of energy and confidence.
Steve Jobs' words underline the immense importance of innovation, which isn't always easy in our lives. It requires overcoming difficulties and failures in the creative process to keep refining our work.
Because innovation is about discovering previously unknown things, life is a series of mysteries that require conscious exploration and considerable effort.
Creativity is the key to unlocking new potentials and navigating through the mysteries of life. Your journey towards innovation is truly inspiring.
Innovation drives society forward, empowering individuals to uncover new values and explore uncharted territories of knowledge. Efficiency thrives when creativity meets circumstance.
Creative individuals engage in active, independent thinking, harnessing their latent abilities rather than relying on the status quo.
Each person possesses unique potential to contribute breakthrough ideas and beneficial innovations to society. Without human creativity, society would stagnate and regress.
Life devoid of creativity is a life of impoverishment, tethered to the mundane and devoid of self-expression. Those lacking creativity merely conform, failing to realize their potential and hindering societal progress.
Creativity is a commendable trait, encouraged within reasonable bounds to avoid adverse consequences.
Vietnam's governmental leadership actively supports entrepreneurial innovation and creativity. Recently, the Prime Minister officiated the launch of the Vietnam Innovation Network Initiative, a testament to this support.
With the innovative Initiative for Networking and Creativity, over 100 exemplary scientists and technology experts from the Vietnamese talent generation studying and working abroad have responded to participate, along with hundreds of domestic scientists, technology experts, and leading technology enterprises, to meet, establish connections, exchange, share visions, strategies for developing science, technology, and the sectors that Vietnam needs to promote in the coming time.
Government ministries and agencies will listen, synthesize, and study the opinions of talented youth on national development solutions based on the foundation of Industry 4.0 technology. This will advise the government in building strategies, institutions, legal frameworks to form an ecosystem through building and replicating the model of advanced and efficient Innovation Centers nationwide.
Therefore, I believe that young people like you can definitely succeed with your abilities and aspirations.
Keep striving so that you can continue learning in the future.
Younger sister
3.7. Sample letter for UPU's 49th edition in 2020 about mothers, the theme of adults using Facebook
Suggested Writing: Crafting a Letter to UPU's 49th Congress in 2020 Regarding Facebook Use Among Adults
A Letter to My Dearest Mother
Last year, Mom asked me to create a Facebook account for her, but I stubbornly refused. Looking back, I realize I was just being obstinate. However, I feared that Mom joining Facebook would encroach upon my digital freedom.
Moreover, I dreaded the idea of Mom witnessing the darker side of social media and subsequently worrying about me. On Facebook, people often share inappropriate content or use uncivilized language just to seek attention.
Furthermore, the internet is rife with scams, and many fall prey to them due to lack of vigilance. Several acquaintances have lost money responding to fraudulent prize-winning messages on Facebook or unknowingly transferred funds to hacked accounts, losing significant sums in the process.
Additionally, Facebook fosters dependency and distracts from important tasks. People can socialize and stay informed without needing to engage in extracurricular activities or travel extensively. It's a shortcut to global updates, albeit at the cost of real-world experiences.
Sometimes, people get so absorbed in using Facebook excessively that stepping into the real world feels strange, surreal, and directionless. Relationships with family and children may strain due to Facebook, while friendships drift apart.
However, upon reflection, I realize there's no need to fret excessively. With some initial adjustment time and the support of loved ones, things will be fine.
Regardless of age, everyone has their own lives and desires to share with others. Thus, I now see the value in supporting my mom's use of Facebook.
I also find joy in the fact that my mom is willing to explore and learn new things alongside me.
3.8. Sample letter for the 49th UPU International Letter-Writing Competition on Road Safety in 2020
Guidelines for writing the 49th UPU letter on utilizing technology for road safety management
Sending uncle traffic police the moment I accidentally encountered.
The other day I was the student detained by uncle for going against the flow on the familiar way home. Normally I always go like that so I was very surprised to be 'caught'. But in the end, uncle just explained right and wrong and let go, I am very grateful for that.
Actually, the traffic safety education program at my school also occasionally takes place, and I am also a curious person. So I understand that the traffic situation in our country is still very complex, the awareness of traffic participants is still limited, which is one of the reasons leading to many heartbreaking accidents or if not, traffic congestion.
In 2019 there was a relatively positive signal, that is, the number of people killed in traffic accidents decreased to below 8,000, while 10 years ago the number of people killed each year was 12,000. However, on average, 20 people still die and 50 people are injured every day; while compliance with road traffic laws still seems unfamiliar to many people.
As far as I know, in our Vietnam, we are experimenting with handling traffic violations by fining through cameras, and I think this is very useful. Instead of traffic police officers having to stand guard in the sun, rain, and wind on the road and still not be able to handle all violations, now cameras can handle many cases instead.
Not only that, the upcoming technology trend is also the application of AI to recognize drivers using phones, or driving under the influence, drowsy, so that the traffic police force can intervene in a timely manner.
One more practical application that I find very useful is utilizing crowd-sourced video footage for traffic violations, either provided by citizens or collected from social media. If implemented rigorously, this measure will undoubtedly improve compliance with traffic safety laws.
Currently, when videos of traffic violations are shared on social media, I sense that many people have a better awareness. And there's no need to worry about people arguing with traffic police anymore, because overall, netizens have a fair and accurate judgment.
These are my thoughts, hoping that traffic police officers can always be reassured in their work, bringing peace to every road.
3.9. Sample letter for the 49th International UPU Letter Writing Competition 2020 on the harm of mobile phones
Best sample letter for UPU 49th International Letter Writing Competition 2020: Dear Santa Claus
Dear Santa Claus,
It is evident that combating poverty and hunger has been a global concern for decades and will continue to be in the years ahead. Poverty reduction is also one of the eight Millennium Development Goals that every nation pays special attention to.
Previously, the World Bank (WB) announced optimistically that the extreme poverty rate worldwide could potentially drop below 10% for the first time in the coming years, compared to 29% in 1999.
However, with the current 10% poverty rate, approximately 702 million people, it remains a significant challenge in the fight against poverty and hunger, significantly impacting economic development.
The battle against poverty and hunger becomes even more daunting amidst global economic crises and climate change. These factors push many who have just escaped poverty back into destitution, suffering more than ever.
Entering the new millennium, although peace, cooperation, and development are the predominant trends of the era, the risk of world war may be temporarily pushed back, yet the world remains in constant flux, with gunfire capable of erupting anytime, anywhere.
Localized wars, armed conflicts, civil wars, and religious and ethnic conflicts still occur at hotspots across the globe.
Even in the poorest regions of the world, people are engrossed in settling disputes with firearms due to various conflicting interests, plunging millions into the depths of misery.
Children deprived of access to education, healthcare, and even basic clothing still harbor dreams. In those places, it's not hard to encounter elderly individuals with lifeless eyes, tattered clothing, trembling limbs, begging for each meal.
Yet, the annual military expenditures of some countries have soared to over a trillion USD, accounting for approximately 2.7% of the global GDP (an average of 180 USD per capita).
Africa, the poorest continent on the planet, paradoxically possesses the highest prevalence of conventional weapons: its 800 million inhabitants own over 500 million firearms. Just in West Africa alone, there are 10 million light weapons, with the annual arms trade in this region reaching 7 billion USD.
According to calculations by scientists and economists, if the world were to save just 1% of its military expenditure, it could completely eradicate global illiteracy and poverty.
Every year, the United Nations continues to run famine relief programs for victims in numerous countries and territories facing hardship. The UN also engages in various activities, agreements, and partnerships with nations to collectively combat hunger and poverty. However, we need additional propaganda campaigns and stronger mobilization efforts, along with genuinely useful support initiatives to enhance local and national capacities for self-sustaining poverty reduction and hunger eradication.
I envision an end to hunger and poverty. The rate of poverty will gradually decrease not only in my country but also in many other underdeveloped regions around the world, moving towards a more equal world where human rights are ensured, each individual enjoys a comfortable and happy life, and we will have a world without poverty!
Warm regards and farewell!
In addition to the suggestions for writing the 49th UPU letter in 2020 mentioned above, you can write articles about social realities in Vietnam such as teenage love, adults using Facebook, cyber security, environmental protection, entrepreneurship, child abuse, ...
Here, Taimienphi.vn has shared with you exemplary sample UPU 2020 letters on various topics in society. Hopefully, the compiled content here can provide excellent suggestions for students to successfully complete their UPU 2020 letter writing competition entries. Wishing you all success.
