On 15–16 April, Baku became a focal point for international philately, hosting the PostEurop Stamps & Philately Working Group meeting, organised by Azerpost LLC (AZCON Holding) in cooperation with PostEurop.

Held at the Baku Book Centre, the gathering brought together representatives of European postal operators (PostEurop Members), the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP). The programme was further enriched by the participation of the Postcrossing community, collectors, philately enthusiasts and members of the public, creating an open and inclusive platform for dialogue.

Across the two days, discussions explored the development of philately, opportunities for international cooperation, and the evolving role of postage stamps in a digital age.

70 Years of EUROPA Stamps: Shared Values in Miniature

A central highlight was the special programme dedicated to the 70th anniversary of EUROPA stamps — a joint initiative launched in 1956, which today unites more than 50 postal operators and symbolises shared European values.

The event featured the cancellation ceremony of the anniversary EUROPA stamp, alongside an exhibition of EUROPA issues released over the decades. Participants were also presented with the winning design for the 2026 EUROPA stamp, selected through a PostEurop competition. The design, submitted by Posti Ltd (Finland), was chosen by vote among PostEurop members and will be issued alongside national interpretations by participating postal operators.

People‑to‑People Connections: Postcrossing and Youth Engagement

Another important focus was Postcrossing, highlighting how postcard exchanges continue to foster personal, cross‑border connections. A dedicated meeting with postcrossers showcased the growing Postcrossing community in Azerbaijan, accompanied by the presentation of postcards reflecting their interests.

Equally important was the focus on engaging younger generations with philately.

Sitara Huseynova, Head of the Stamp Department at Azerpost, President of WADP and Vice‑Chair of the PostEurop Stamps & Philately Working Group, underlined that discovering and supporting young philatelists is essential to the future of the field. Planned outreach activities, including meetings with schoolchildren, aim to keep philately relevant and inspiring in a fast‑changing, digital world.

That future is already very real. One of its most authentic voices is 12‑year‑old philatelist Gulshan Rahimli, who shared her perspective in an interview with AZERTAC. Inspired by her father, also a collector, Gulshan described stamps as far more than postal tools:

“Each stamp is a whole world. When I look at a stamp, I feel as if I am transported somewhere else — I discover nature, history and different cultures. It gives me joy.”

She also highlighted the unique value of Azerbaijani stamps, noting that they reflect the country’s history, culture and national spirit, giving them special meaning for collectors — even in a digital era where tactile and visual experiences continue to matter.

Innovation and the Digital Dimension of Philately

Looking ahead, discussions also addressed innovation in philately. Azerpost is currently evaluating proposals related to crypto and NFT postage stamps, alongside traditional physical issues, including stamps featuring QR codes. This balanced approach reflects a broader global trend: embracing digital tools while preserving the tangible heritage and craftsmanship of philately.

Stamps as Cultural and Global Messengers

Philately’s role as a reflection of society was further highlighted through upcoming thematic issues. Azerpost plans to release a commemorative stamp dedicated to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in Baku. Scheduled to enter circulation in May, the stamp aligns with Azerbaijan’s designation of the year as the Year of Architecture and Urban Planning, demonstrating how postage stamps continue to document global events, national priorities and shared values.

Looking Ahead

Maire Lodi, Operations Manager at PostEurop, emphasised the importance of the EUROPA anniversary in strengthening cooperation among postal operators. She also announced that PostEurop’s General Assembly will be held in Baku this October, bringing together all PostEurop members and featuring an exhibition of EUROPA stamps issued by participating countries to mark the anniversary.

Day 2 was dedicated to strategic discussions and future-oriented initiatives in European philately. The programme opened with an update on the EUROPA Stamp 2027 schedule and guidelines, followed by a presentation on reversing declining trends in philately, building on insights from the Philatelic Forum 2025. Participants then reviewed the results of the Philately Trends Survey and received updates from UPU/WADP, including an initial concept for the Smiley campaign planned for 2027. The morning concluded with the announcement of the EUROPA Stamp 2028 theme voting results and a review of submissions to the EUROPA 70th anniversary postcard design competition, alongside plans for a commemorative exhibition at the PostEurop General Assembly. The afternoon combined networking and outreach, with visits to the Azerpost Central Post Office and a guided tour of Baku highlighting key locations for philatelic products, followed by a social dinner.

By hosting and actively contributing to international initiatives, Azerpost is strengthening Azerbaijan’s voice within the global postal and philatelic community and helping to shape the future of the sector. Through international cooperation, innovation and engagement with society — particularly younger generations — philately is presented not as a legacy of the past, but as a dynamic cultural platform. In this way, stamps become tools for education, creativity and connection, linking heritage with modern relevance and fostering meaningful human ties across borders and generations.

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