On 24 August 1979, one day after the opening of the Vienna International Centre, the United Nations Postal Administration issued its first UN stamps in Austrian currency.

United Nations stamps are now issued simultaneously at UN offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna. Each issue carries a related design theme, with different denominations for each office. The stamps are available from UNPA offices in person or by mail, and from stamp dealers. They are valid for postage when used on mail from the UN offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna.

Usually six new commemorative issues are released each year and remain on sale for 12 months only.

 

Mandate

Human rights, the environment, endangered species and peace-to name just a few-are all subjects of universal concern to the peoples of the world and are visualized on the stamps of the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA). Because United Nations stamps reflect the work of the world Organization, the stamps extend beyond the boundaries of philately to draw attention to significant world problems and to serve as a reminder of the United Nations commitment to its goals.

Not only do United Nations stamps artistically promote the aims of the Organization, they provide income as well. This income derives almost exclusively from sales of stamps to collectors. The majority of United Nations postage stamps-approximately 85 per cent-are collected by philatelists. The value of all UN stamps used for mailing purposes is reimbursed to the U.S. Postal Service, the Swiss Post or the Austrian Post, as appropriate.