2018-09-04 Tue

On 12th September, the UNPA would be releasing a pane of 10 stamps and labels featuring the famous cartoon characters from “Thomas & Friends” to create awareness about U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals educational program.

Out of the 17 goals, six of them would be presented to children through interesting videos, parent tips and activities. These six goals will also be highlighted in the new episodes of Thomas & Friends animated television show, and Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie. Thomas will now be leaving Sodor to experience new cultures of China, India, Australia etc.

193 UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. The idea of creating more awareness about these goals through the animated series Thomas & Friends began in that year.

The 17 goals of this program include: End poverty in all its forms, Zero Hunger, Health, Quality education, Gender equality, Clean water and sanitation, Energy, Economic growth, Infrastructure, industrialization, Inequality, Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production, Climate change, Oceans, Life on land, Peace, justice and strong institutions, Partnerships.

Six of these goals Quality education, Gender equality, Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production, Life on land are highlighted in the Thomas & Friends stamp pane.

Nine stamps depict scenes that highlight the above mentioned six goals. The last one features Thomas and Nia — a new female tank engine from Kenya. Each stamp has a denomination of $1.15 and the text "UN 2018".

The 10 labels are se-tenant with the stamps. Six of the labels depict six goals with its icon. Two labels feature Thomas train, one depicts a winking Nia and one has the text “Sustainable Development Goals”.

The program will try to build a conversation with kids through relevant and interesting questions so that they get a perspective about the big picture.

Image Courtesy: UNPA