UNPA commemorates 80 years of the ‘Journal of the United Nations’

By David Hartwig

The United Nations Postal Administration began its 2026 stamp program Jan. 12 with a pane of 10 stamps commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first Journal of the United Nations, the United Nations’ daily official schedule and record of meetings and agenda items used by delegates, staff, and observers.

While little known outside of diplomatic circles, the Journal has been central to the day-to-day operation of the United Nations since 1946.

The stamps are for use from the UNPA post office at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. The $1.70 denomination pays the United States Postal Service rate for international mail.

The designs show United Nations delegates, dignitaries and staff reading the Journal. At the right of each stamp is a se-tenant (side-by-side) label showing either text with the name of the issue or front pages of the Journal in various languages.

The Journal of the United Nations began with the first session of the U.N. General Assembly on Jan. 10, 1946. According to the UNPA, the Journal “has chronicled the evolution of multilateralism while maintaining accessibility to the Organization’s work.”

“This anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the Journal’s pivotal role in preserving the UN’s legacy while continuously adapting to the demands of a digitally interconnected world,” the UNPA said.

Rorie Katz of the United Nations designed the pane in conjunction with the U.N. Department for General Assembly and Conference Management.

The panes were printed in-house. According to the UNPA, both the stamps and the labels measure 40.6 millimeters by 29.8mm. Each pane of 10 is 279.4mm by 215.9mm.

The labels attached to the stamps can be personalized with a photograph replacing the original design. Customers can personalize the labels by visiting the U.N. headquarters or by uploading the photographs on the UNPA website at www.unstamps.org.

For ordering information for these stamps and related products, visit the website unstamps.org; email unpanyinquiries@un.org; telephone 212-963-7684 or 800-234-8672; or write to UNPA, Box 5900, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163-5900.

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