Philippines launches stamps to commemorate 80 years of partnership with the UN

MANILA, 25 JUNE. The Philippine Government has launched commemorative stamps for the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations, kicking off a series of events to celebrate the eight decades of partnership between the country and the UN.   

The launch of the stamps coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter— the organization’s founding document—on 26 June 1945. This document came into force four months later, formally establishing the United Nations on 24 October, a date now celebrated as UN Day. 

Commemorating the Philippines’ contributions to the UN, the theme of national celebrations for this milestone year is “The Philippines’ 80 Years in the United Nations:  A Journey of Hope and Endeavour,” which is inspired by the words of Filipino statesman Carlos P. Romulo, who described the country’s relationship with the UN as “one of an identical destiny, of shared anxiety, and hope and endeavour.” 

Jointly developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), the commemorative stamps feature motifs drawn from Philippine art and culture, as well as symbols associated with the United Nations.  

“Today’s unveiling of the UN80 stamps is a powerful reminder that the smallest objects can hold the largest meaning,” said Philippine Postmaster-General Luis Carlos. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also take this moment to renew our commitment to the ideals represented by these stamps—the ideals of peace, cooperation, respect for human rights and collective progress. Let this serve as a tribute to our past and a call to action for the years ahead.” 

In his keynote address, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasised the increasing relevance of multilateralism amid global challenges, including climate change, pandemics, conflict, disinformation, and continuing inequality.  

“The commemorative stamps are not just milestones,” Mr. Manalo said. “The heartbreaking backdrop of the devastation and human suffering in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and heightened tensions in the Middle East remind us that what we have achieved in fellowship with other nations needs to be preserved and needs to be accomplished in the future in the name of peace and development.” 

UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral echoed this sentiment as he called for the “silencing of weapons in Iran, Israel, Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan, and give place to diplomacy, dialogue and peace.” 

Mr. Peral also cited the Philippines as an example of progress: from being one of the poorest independent nations when the United Nations was founded, to standing at the cusp of upper-middle-income status today. 

“Eighty years ago, the Philippines stood proudly among the original signatories of the United Nations Charter. Since then, it has remained a consistent and vocal champion of the rules-based international order,” he said. “We are humbled by this partnership and inspired by its potential. Together, let us continue this shared journey—toward peace, prosperity, gender equality, and sustainable development for all.” 

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The UN80 commemorative stamps are available at select post offices nationwide starting 26 June.  

As part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, the Philippine Government also launched a microsite on the Philippines’s contributions to the UN General Assembly, which compiles the country’s high-level statements from 1946 to 2024.