UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said they recognise the invaluable contributions of postal workers to societies and economies noting that these essential workers are an inspiration.

"As we continue to confront the Covid-19 pandemic, the resilience and commitment of these essential workers are an inspiration. We owe them our gratitude," he said in a message marking World Post Day that falls on October 9.

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The theme for this year's World Post Day – "Innovate to recover" – highlights how the postal sector is adapting to new realities and redefining itself, taking on new roles founded on digitalisation, e-commerce and financial services, he said.

"Innovate to recover" invites everyone in the international postal sector to embrace creative change and leverage technology as they together look to build forward better from the pandemic, the UN chief added.

He said the vast postal network – involving millions of workers moving billions of pieces of mail through hundreds of thousands of post offices – is woven into societies, connecting communities the world over.

"I congratulate the Universal Postal Union and the international postal sector for your tireless efforts delivering mail, providing essential services, enabling trade, and promoting literacy," Guterres said.

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"The United Nations looks forward to advancing our partnership in the service of sustainable development and a better world for all," he mentioned.