Youth Unleash Creativity in Celebrating UN Day through Stamps

Stamps have long served as tiny ambassadors, capturing a nation’s identity in collectible form. For this year’s UN Day, young artists across Indonesia breathed new life into these miniature canvases, turning everyday mail into diplomatic expressions.

In celebration of UN Day on 24 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Communication and Digital, with support from the UN in Indonesia, launched a special stamp to honour the enduring partnership between Indonesia and the United Nations. The month-long competition attracted 68 creative entries from youth across Indonesia, and after extensive deliberation, three outstanding designs emerged as winners.

1st winner - Armelsa Ferdinandus (18), Jakarta

The UN logo, doves, and Garuda Indonesia reflect Indonesia's active role as a member state dedicated to global peace and development. The bottom corner features miniature illustrations of Indonesian cultural icons celebrating the nation's rich diversity. A handshake symbolising the spirit of cooperation in fostering international harmony.

"The overall design exudes a sense of optimism, diversity, and peace while showcasing Indonesia's contributions to maintaining global stability and collaboration," said Armelsa Ferdinandus, who won the title of the 1st winner.

2nd winner - Rice Angraini (18), Bengkulu

Rice chose to showcase Indonesia's customs and culture—like traditional dances, arts, and unique local wildlife—because she wants the world to experience the beauty of the nation's traditions.

“I believe Indonesia is just as stunning as any other country, and through this theme, I aim to showcase our nation's richness and spirit of peace," said Rice Angraini.

3rd winner - Revant Marloun (15), Jakarta

"On this stamp, I envisioned the cooperation between the UN and Indonesia through art and culture," said Revant Marloun. The design illustrated the UN logo using pen strokes, symbolising an international art tool intertwined with the mega mendung batik pattern created with a canting, representing a traditional Indonesian art tool. These two artistic elements unite to form a collective masterpiece— ‘United Nations Batik.'

“Additionally, these tools symbolise the stationery often used to formalise cooperation agreements," he added.

Stamps as a lasting symbol of partnership

UN Day, reflecting the ratification of the Charter of the United Nations in 1945, will be celebrated at BINUS University under the theme of Youthnovation - Celebrating Youth, a tribute to the innovation and potential of young people. This event will highlight the crucial role that fresh ideas and perspectives of the youth play in shaping a sustainable future.

“Young people are key to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. The United Nations is committed to working alongside Indonesia’s youth to support their innovative contributions and ideas. This event and the stamp competition showcase the incredible potential of Indonesia’s young generation,” said Gita Sabharwal, the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all young Indonesians who participated in the stamp design competition. Your creativity and passion truly made the judges’ task challenging.

Stay connected with us by following the UN's social media channels in Indonesia on Instagram and X for more exciting opportunities like this. Your voice matters, and we look forward to seeing what you create next!