The UN Postal Administration (UNPA) issued on Friday a set of six commemorative stamps in mini- sheet format on the theme "Sport for Peace" to mark the Beijing Olympic Games.
Three souvenir sheets and a Beijing Personalized stamp sheet were also released on the same day.
The overall theme and slogan for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is "One World One Dream" which fully reflects the essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream, said a UNPA statement.
"It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of humankind," the statement said.
"In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek the ideal of humankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams," it noted.
The stamps were designed by the world-renowned South American artist Romero Britto, whom UNPA touted as "a modern day pop culture phenomenon."
Britto has created "contemporary masterpieces with his vibrant colors, bold patterns and a continuous message of hope," UNPA said.
This is Britto's second set of stamp designs for the United Nations. In 1999, he also designed a set of six commemorative stamps on the theme "Education - Keystone to the 21st Century."
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)