Monument de l'Union Postale Universelle à Berne
This is a replica of the original sculpture in Berne, Switzerland, and it’s the symbol of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The UPU is part of the United Nations family of organizations and aims to standardize postal systems for efficient postal exchanges.
The piece was designed by a French sculptor and medalist, René de St-Marceaux (1845 – 1915) and several of his works are in Paris, France. He was born in Reims and studied at the ?cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He participated in several competitions and was awarded the Plaster Medal at the Salon of the National Society of Fine Arts in 1918.
The sculpture is divided into two sides. On the right a woman rests her hand on the coat of arms of Bern, and on the left a ball or globe encircled by human figures. The five (5) figures hold envelopes in their hands and seem to be tending each other. This represents the UPU cooperation between the 5 continents, Africa, Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania.
The gift was presented to United Nations Secretary-General U Thant (1909 – 1974) during his official visit to Bern, Switzerland, in July 1962 by the Universal Postal Union.
The UPU was established by the Treaty of Bern in 1874 and contains 4 bodies, the Council, Council of Administration (CA), the Postal Operations Council (POC), and the International Bureau (IB). Each member agrees to the same terms for conducting international postal duties.