Sample Letter for the 49th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020

Update: If you want to see sample letters for the UPU writing competition in 2023, you can check out this article on Sample Letter for the 52nd UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2023.

The 49th International UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2020 with the theme 'Write a message to an adult about the world we live in' is launched for Vietnamese students under 15 years old. The competition requires a prose letter not exceeding 800 words. If you're lacking ideas for your letter, you can refer to the sample UPU 2020 letters below.

The 49th UPU International Letter Writing Competition in 2020 has concluded (Image from Wikipedia)

Sample UPU letter for the 49th time in 2020

1. Sample UPU letter: Letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg

UPU 2020 letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg

One of the biggest differences of today's era is that I can send my messages to you right on Facebook, the social media platform that you and your colleagues have built.

Nevertheless, I still want to send a traditional open letter to you to share perspectives from the user side, also as a way for us to appreciate the fundamental values of life together.

The first thing I want to share is the phenomenon of 'Facebook addiction', a problem that needs to be controlled and adjusted, as it causes many undesired consequences. While you may feel somewhat proud of hearing this, as the creator of the social network, in reality Facebook may need direction to minimize the consequences of 'Facebook addiction' for sustainable development.

Facebook serves as a social network, a place for chatting, relaxing, entertaining, sharing, expressing emotions, and staying updated. It can be said that Facebook is a whole new world where we can freely converse, chat, and even encounter many celebrities known through this network.

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 understand the mood and feelings of others without meeting them. It's simple and convenient.

However, Facebook can be addictive if users don't know how to control their time and themselves.

Many people nowadays spend excessive time scrolling through Facebook every day: they Facebook while studying, working, hanging out with friends, and even when spending time with their parents, they take photos to post on Facebook. It seems like without Facebook, many people feel that life is dull and tasteless.

Many high school and secondary school students nowadays are being drawn into Facebook. Their phones have become indispensable, and they spend too much time on it. Consequently, they have less time for studying.

Sometimes people may think having thousands of friends on their friend list is impressive, but they fail to realize that they are narrowing down many relationships around them.

Close relationships become distant, the space for friends diminishes, and the study time of students like you is disrupted, leading to a gradual loss of emotions due to virtual distractions.

Moreover, on Facebook, many individuals may post unhealthy content or use uncivilized language simply to seek attention.

On the internet, various scams frequently occur, and many people may fall into traps if they are not vigilant. Many individuals have lost money after following prize-winning messages on Facebook, sometimes losing millions because they thought they were transferring money to relatives without realizing that their account had been hacked.

Incidents related to users' personal information on Facebook still often cause public outcry.

Overall, Facebook faces many challenges in its rapid development, which is the perspective of many people. As mentioned earlier, I hope Facebook always prepares good solutions for its sustainable development and that of society as well as this social network.

2. Sample letter for UPU 2020: Message to My Future Self

Writing to My Future Self for UPU 2020

Message to My Future Self

Today, I want to write a letter to you, who is none other than me but in 10 years, to share my stories at the current time, also to have the time to read back and see how I have changed.

At the current time, I am beginning to realize my own 'virtual living' habits. With comics, online games, and especially social media..., young people like me feel more diverse and interesting, but that's also a risk for virtual living to gradually form.

Thus, it seems like there are two personas within us, two virtual and real personalities unrelated to each other and completely contrasting.

Living virtually on social media may include phenomena such as frequently posting photos flaunting money, luxury goods, relationships, and oneself while in reality, it's all set up and completely different.

Sometimes, living virtually also involves drowning in virtual relationships, even virtual romances, while neglecting real-life relationships.

The visions of an extravagant life, far from reality, have deeply penetrated the minds of a significant portion of the youth, and it's truly concerning as most have little control over it.

Living virtually is akin to forgetting oneself and the things one needs to develop in life. And indeed, I see that phenomenon within myself.

Youth often harbor impulsive, immature thoughts, lacking maturity; sometimes, mere reprimands from parents or teachers can feel like the end of the world. And the virtual world is where vulnerable souls seek refuge when feeling weak and downtrodden.

Initially, the virtual world was merely a place where young people sought solace when weary, to relieve their hearts, but gradually, they leaned on it, became dependent, afraid to face reality. And thus, the habit of living virtually slowly formed, dominating the lives of many young people.

Furthermore, the advancement of information technology, like a double-edged sword, coupled with the curiosity and eagerness for exploration inherent in youth, makes it easy to unwittingly chase after spiritual values without the control of reason.

But I fear that one day, the habit of living virtually will encase us like a sturdy shell, making it difficult to break free from the familiar confines. Thus, if reason falls asleep, the habit of virtual living will gradually tighten around youth, their future, and their very lives.

Clouds are illuminated by the sun before they shine. Streams hang from cliffs before they become waterfalls. Likewise, we as humans, only grow and mature through friction, contact, and interaction with diverse environments.

I hope to open up to real life, to live authentically and maturely. Then you will see that the world outside, despite sometimes causing you to stumble, remains much more vivid and fascinating than the virtual realm.

We need to cultivate the courage to live honestly with our circumstances and backgrounds.

And as you read this letter from me, I hope you can say to me, 'You've done well'.
 

3. Sample Letter for UPU 49th Edition: James Joseph Kendall

Writing for the 49th time to Jame Joseph Kendall

Sending to James Joseph Kendall

Being a student who only knows eating, studying, and Facebook like me, there's hardly any time to participate in social activities. Nevertheless, through Facebook, I still get to know and particularly care about your activities and the Keep Hanoi Clean organization.

Those are truly remarkable efforts for the environment of Hanoi. Amazing and unimaginable like the images that people began to know you, a 'foreigner picking up trash' diligently under the pitch-black drain, but gradually the activities of Keep Hanoi Clean became more extensive and attracted more participants.

As I have been informed, Mr. Kendall initially came to Vietnam for tourism, but after a short time, he developed a special love for the land and people here, hence decided to establish a long-term bond with this land.

And I also learned that when he first arrived in Vietnam, he had teaching jobs for an English center and in a public school in Hanoi. But after a period of organizing clean-up activities with friends, he decided to leave his 'comfort zone' to establish the Keep Hanoi Clean organization in May 2016.

According to statistics that I've come across, on average, Hanoi generates about 6,500 tons of solid waste per day, solely from household activities. Therefore, ensuring a clean environment requires a strategy and actions from the relevant authorities. Nevertheless, the activities of Keep Hanoi Clean have helped many people live greener and be more environmentally conscious.

Clearly, if one were to choose a prominent environmental movement in Hanoi in recent years, Keep Hanoi Clean would be the first name that comes to mind. I sincerely hope that this organization for the environment will continue to grow stronger, and this model can be replicated.

As a young person born and raised in Hanoi, I genuinely want to express my gratitude and hope to have the opportunity to participate in upcoming campaigns of Keep Hanoi Clean.

4. Sample UPU letter: Sending to my brother about creativity in the 4.0 era

Compose a letter discussing creativity in the era of 4.0

Sending warm regards to my dear brother

Recently, I heard about your decision not to continue working for the company in a stable job but to venture into a new technology business model. I am quite impressed by such a spirit.

Through various stories, we all see how the spirit of innovation, creativity, and pioneering can achieve remarkable breakthroughs. And I believe you can become one of the exemplary success stories of the creative young generation.

Creativity is the act of humans discovering and creating new material and spiritual values that have not existed before. Sometimes, mistakes may occur during the creative process, and taking risks is entirely possible when we innovate because not all innovations are recognized and yield the desired results.

However, Steve Jobs, a genius innovator who conquered the world with Apple products, once said simply: 'Sometimes you will make mistakes when you are creative. The important thing is to quickly acknowledge it and continue to strive' - a message that gives us a lot of energy and confidence.

Normally, a middle school student like me would never think about writing a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But this time, because of the international letter-writing competition, I will also try to contribute ideas on a global issue.

Currently, I am still sitting in the school seat, but I am doing well in computer science and am planning to pursue a major in cybersecurity. That's why I am quite interested in the cybersecurity situation worldwide.

Many experts have collectively acknowledged that high-tech crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, attacking on a large scale and causing significant damage directly affecting the economies and societies of nations. Moreover, the risk of cyber warfare is looming, including direct impacts on human lives.

In 2015, hackers attacked the power grid system in Ukraine, causing localized power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people; this was recorded as the first successful cyber attack affecting the power grid. South Korea also frequently records attacks on nuclear power plant systems, railways, and more.

Meanwhile, other large-scale global attacks occasionally shock the world, such as the WannaCry ransomware incident, which demonstrated the level of consequences this type of malware can cause.

In my country a few years ago, there was a cyber attack on the information systems of major stadiums, making people no longer take this issue lightly.

The motives behind cyber attacks often include information theft, disruption, damaging the reputation of nations and organizations, or simply for monetary gain...

Although this issue has been warned about for many years now, it is indeed difficult to improve the situation promptly. Ensuring cybersecurity seems to require the collective effort and unity of nations.

Meanwhile, resources for ensuring information security have not been adequately prioritized in many countries, including the lack of widespread knowledge training for the younger generation, hence the urgent need for support from the United Nations.

Hope for the future lies in the United Nations undertaking concrete actions, agreements, or treaties to push back against the current cybersecurity crisis.

5. Sample letter to UPU: Writing to an English teacher about Air Quality Index (AQI)

Writing about Air Quality Index (AQI)

Sending to English teacher

It's been a while since we last met, teacher. How have you been? Have you been back to our country for a while? Do you still remember Vietnam and keep up with the news about Vietnam regularly?

I'm sure you do, as you've always seemed to have a strong connection with Vietnam. In your essays, you often mention very specific aspects of Vietnamese culture, life, and society.

If you were teaching in Vietnam, I guess you would assign essays on the alarming air quality index, as you're usually very concerned about environmental issues.

In recent days, if you check online, you'll see that the air quality index in Vietnam often reaches the purple alarm level, affecting everyone.

Actually, first of all, I must say that I still feel fortunate that nowadays there are many air quality monitoring systems for us to know the reality and take immediate action.

For instance, we can prepare dust masks to wear when the air quality index reaches the alarm level, or limit outdoor activities during those times.

However, fundamentally, Vietnam and cities suffering from frequent air pollution need fundamental solutions to mitigate this harm.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a simplified measure of air pollution levels. High AQI is due to increased emissions, such as during rush hours, heavy traffic, forest fires, or stagnant pollution in specific areas.

This is also caused by stagnant air due to phenomena like temperature inversions, thermal inversions, or slow winds.

During periods of extremely poor air quality, when AQI levels reach the point of acute exposure, it can cause severe harm to public health, especially to sensitive groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions...

Therefore, I believe that regulatory agencies will need specific plans, such as minimizing sources of major emissions like factories, workshops, and construction sites to reduce emissions until the toxicity decreases.

Or we will need a movement to encourage and facilitate more public transportation use...

When you return to Vietnam, I hope you will once again join environmental movements, and the upcoming agenda will surely focus a bit on air quality.

Vietnam also needs the experience of countries that have done what you have done, teacher.

Looking forward to meeting you again soon, teacher.

Air quality is of great concern to many people, suitable for writing UPU letters. You can refer to the article Writing about Air Quality Index (AQI) to write about this hot topic.

6. Sample UPU letter about adults using Facebook

Writing about adults using Facebook

Sending to dear mother

Last year, Mom asked me to create a Facebook account for her, but I stubbornly refused. Looking back, I was quite stubborn, but it was because I felt that my world on Facebook would lose its freedom if Mom joined in.

Besides, I also felt hesitant if Mom saw the negative sides of social media and then worried about me all the time. On Facebook, many people can post unhealthy content just to gain attention or use uncivilized language.

Scams frequently occur online, and many people are prone to falling into traps if they're not cautious. Many individuals have lost money by following prize-winning messages on Facebook, sometimes losing tens of millions because they thought they were transferring money to relatives without realizing their account was hacked.

Moreover, Facebook can easily lead to dependency and distract from necessary tasks. People can connect and chat with others worldwide without needing to socialize or participate in extracurricular activities, and they can stay updated on global news without having to go out much.

To the extent that sometimes people use Facebook so much that when they step into the real world, they feel strange, unrealistic, and unsure of their direction. Sometimes, relationships between parents and children become strained, and friendships drift apart due to Facebook.

But now, upon deeper reflection, I realize there's no need to worry excessively. Just take some time initially to get acquainted and seek the help of others, and things will be fine.

Mothers and everyone, regardless of age, have their own lives and want to share with others, so actually, I think I should support my mother using Facebook.

And I will be quite happy because my mother is willing to update and explore new things with us.

7. Sample UPU letter: Writing to Santa Claus

Writing a letter to Santa Claus

Dear Santa Claus,

Previously, I used to write letters to you before Christmas to ask for gifts, and somehow always received the gift I wished for. This year, I won't ask for gifts anymore, sir, even though I really want an iPad.

Because, upon careful consideration, an iPad is just for playing games and watching movies. I already have a temporary phone for entertainment in my spare time. And importantly, I don't want my life to depend on machines and technology.

Do you know, technology is present in every aspect of life and brings undeniable benefits to humans? Thanks to technology, life is getting better, labor is being saved... However, negative impacts also arise when dependence on technology becomes too high.

Sometimes, because smartphones are so convenient, people become lazy to exercise, and relationships become cold and distant when most choose to maintain communication, chat, and care only through social media messages.

Often, you'll notice in gatherings with friends, or even in family meals, that members don't talk, inquire, or chat with each other. Instead, everyone holds a phone and immerses themselves in their own world.

Moreover, I also have a younger sibling and don't want to become a role model for dependence on phones or iPads. Everyone knows that sitting too much in front of a computer or phone and being inactive can make the human body heavy, sluggish, prone to eye, hand, spine, and cardiovascular diseases...

Not to mention, the age of global Internet can expose young people, students, and students to unhealthy cultures, inappropriate for their age; propaganda and distortions from malicious entities that are hard to control.

So, Santa Claus, this year I won't ask for any gifts. What I desire most right now is the genuine happiness and joy of every family member.

And I also wish you have plenty of joy this Christmas season.

8. UPU Model Letter: Cybersecurity

Writing about cybersecurity

To the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres

Normally, a middle school student like me would never think of writing a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But this time, due to an international letter-writing competition, I will try to contribute my opinions on a global issue.

Currently, I am still sitting in the school desk, but I excel in computer science and am planning to pursue a career in cybersecurity. It is for this reason that I am quite concerned about the cybersecurity situation worldwide.

Many experts agree that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, launching large-scale attacks that directly impact the economies and societies of nations. Moreover, the risk of cyber warfare is looming, with direct implications for human life.

In 2015, hackers attacked Ukraine's power grid, causing localized power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people; it was recorded as the first successful cyberattack to impact the power grid. South Korea also frequently reports attacks on its nuclear power plant systems, railways, and more.

Meanwhile, other global-scale cyberattacks occasionally shake the world, such as the WannaCry ransomware incident, which demonstrated the devastating consequences this type of malware can cause.

A few years ago, in my country, there was a cyberattack on the information systems of major airports, making people take this issue more seriously.

The motives behind cyberattacks often include data theft, disruption, tarnishing the image of nations and organizations, or simply for financial gain.

Although this issue has been warned about for many years now, it is indeed challenging to promptly improve the situation. Achieving cybersecurity goals seems to require the concerted effort and unity of nations.

Meanwhile, resources for ensuring information security have not been adequately prioritized in many countries, including the lack of widespread knowledge dissemination for younger generations, hence the crucial need for support from the United Nations.

Hopefully, in the foreseeable future, the United Nations will engage in specific activities, agreements, or treaties to push back against the current cybersecurity crisis.

Writing a letter to the homeroom teacher about Facebook

Writing a letter about Facebook

Hanoi, date .../.../2020

Dear homeroom teacher,

Since the beginning of the school year until now, almost one semester has passed, during which our class has had you as our homeroom teacher, and I have always admired you especially as a respectable and dedicated teacher to students.

But there's one thing that makes me feel a bit awkward, and that's how strict you are about students using Facebook. So today I want to share a little bit of our students' perspective through these lines.

Actually, I can understand why you 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, a place for chatting, relaxing, entertaining, sharing, expressing emotions, and updating information. It can be said that Facebook is a whole new world where we can chat freely, chat, and even get to know many famous people 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 emotions of those around us without having to meet. It's simple and convenient.

However, Facebook is a network that easily leads to addiction for users if they do not know how to control their time and themselves. You take care of your Facebook for likes, comments; you constantly scroll through information. This also makes each person feel happy, but if not careful, these things will quickly draw people into this virtual world, making it hard to break away from.

Many young people nowadays spend too much time on Facebook every day: going to school also on Facebook, going to work also on Facebook, hanging out with friends also on Facebook, sitting with parents for a while also taking photos for Facebook. It seems that many people feel life is dull and tasteless without Facebook.

Many high school and secondary school students are also being drawn into Facebook. The phone is an indispensable object, and they spend too much time on it. The important thing is that because of this, the time for their studies is decreasing.

Then sometimes you think having a friend list with thousands of friends is impressive but you don't realize that you are narrowing down a lot of relationships around you.

Normal close relationships become distant, there's no space for friends, study time is disrupted, and your mind gradually loses emotions due to the virtual, even prone to unhealthy cultures.

When falling into that situation, the consequences are usually poor grades, poor academic performance, and discipline and conduct awareness also decline. It's truly sad and unworthy.

Nevertheless, I believe that when we students recognize and overcome the mixed aspects of the Facebook environment, the world will open up beautifully.

I believe that Facebook or the online environment, in general, can enhance interaction and learning among class members. And I believe that each student, with appropriate behavior on Facebook, can make life better.

That's why I hope you have a more positive outlook, encouraging us to participate and create beneficial spaces on Facebook and social networks.

10. Compose a message to an adult

Writing a letter to adults about air pollution in cities

A letter to adults!

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the rapid development of industrial factories without air filtration systems is causing serious air pollution issues. Therefore, air pollution is a alarming problem not only in Vietnam but also in all countries worldwide. Particularly, many cities around the world are facing extremely severe pollution levels.

Humans are probably familiar with the fact that New Delhi, the capital of India, is currently the most polluted city in the world, with the mortality rate due to air pollution ranking second only to heart disease.

The severe air pollution is mainly caused by vehicle emissions, with an estimated 8.5 million vehicles in operation there.

Recently, the New Delhi Energy Resources Institute and the American Institute of Health Impact published a study showing that 3,000 people die in New Delhi each year due to air pollution.

Additionally, in a recent announcement by Chinese authorities, Beijing has been placed on red alert for air pollution, which could be considered a major air pollution crisis.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the level of smog in China is over 50 times higher than the organization's safety recommendations. A staggering figure that will surely alarm many about the level of pollution in China is that 4,000 people die every day due to pollution in China.

It is evident that air pollution severely impacts human health, with children being the most vulnerable group to health damage from the effects of air pollution.

If humans do not have environmental awareness to protect the air, its consequences may be as terrible as the HIV-AIDS epidemic or many other infectious diseases.

Just about a week ago, the beautiful capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, had to witness the constant fear of its residents regarding the air quality, especially the alarming level of fine dust. People became even more anxious when the air they breathe every day was likened to 'apocalyptic atmosphere' in a report by Singapore's Channel News Asia.

From the daily activities and transportation of the people to the research and analysis of experts, all indicate a Hanoi 'devoid of blue skies', a Hanoi filled with smoke, and pollution increasing rapidly.

If living in Hanoi, you would probably not find it difficult to encounter images of people wearing masks and equipping themselves with 'armor' from head to toe to avoid dust when going out during the day. Stepping out without 'armor' would result in clothes being dirty, and dust could be felt on the face.

Many experts believe that 70% of the air pollution in Hanoi is caused by traffic. This is reasonable because the current estimate shows that the capital city of Hanoi has 5.3 million motorcycles and 560,000 cars. These numbers are expected to increase by 11% annually for motorcycles and 17% for cars.

At this rate, by 2020, there will be nearly 1 million cars and 7 million motorcycles crowding the streets of Hanoi. The sharp increase in the number of private vehicles is attributed to the scarcity of public transportation, people's reluctance to walk, and a desire to showcase status by owning vehicles. Traffic congestion exacerbates environmental pollution to uncontrollable levels.

I hope that adults will join hands to contribute to resolving the environmental pollution issue, aiming for a greener world without pollution.

Yours sincerely,

Minh Anh

11. Letter to Elders Regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic poses a significant threat globally, a sample letter for the UPU 2020

Letter to the Adults!

Currently, in the face of the rapidly increasing and complex Coronavirus epidemic. We need clear understanding to prevent and timely stop the escalating spread of the pandemic.

It's crucial to understand the origins, symptoms, and preventive measures to tackle this pandemic.
The corona virus (nCoV) is a novel respiratory virus causing acute respiratory tract infections in humans and shows human-to-human transmission.

Coronaviruses, like MERS and SAR, all originate from a reservoir host from the bat species. Corona virus is a large virus family, common in many different animal species including camels, cats, and bats. Initially emerging from animal sources, this virus has the ability to spread from person to person. Importantly, human-to-human transmission can occur continuously. In humans, the virus is transmitted from one person to another through contact with the patient's body fluids. Depending on the extent of the virus strain's transmission, coughing, sneezing, or shaking hands may expose those around them. The virus can also be transmitted from someone touching an object that the patient has touched, then bringing it to their mouth, nose, or eyes. Caregivers may also be exposed to the virus when handling a patient's waste.

Thus, there are 2 pathways of transmission for this nCoV (corona) type: The first pathway is direct contact with respiratory droplets. The second pathway is contact or touching items in the throat area of the patient, then touching their face, nose, or mouth.

So what are the symptoms when infected with this virus? Pay attention to fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can appear from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the source of the disease. Upon onset, nCoV can progress to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death, especially in those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.

To prevent the spread of the disease, we should pay attention to the following:

• Limit direct contact with people with acute respiratory infections; when necessary, wear a medical mask properly and maintain distance when in contact.
• Keep the body warm, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap, gargle with mouthwash to prevent pneumonia.
• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or tissue to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions.
• Limit close contact with livestock farms or wildlife.

I hope we all have an understanding of this disease to not only help ourselves but also contribute to the community in combating the pandemic caused by the Corona virus.

Once again, I sincerely hope that each of us - adults - will join hands to protect our health for a world free of diseases.

Signature

Tran Yen

The exemplary letters of the UPU Letter Writing Contest 49th edition in 2020, meaningful and insightful, will be selected and shared by Mytour in the article below. You can refer to them to get ideas for your UPU letter, enhance your writing skills, and increase social awareness...

The deadline for participating in the UPU International Letter Writing Competition is from 12/6/2019 to 2/25/2020. You can refer to the sample letters of the UPU 49th edition in 2020 here to avoid being off-topic, write to the theme and requirements set by the organization. In addition, you can also view more about writing a letter about air quality AQI here.