The 78th Congress of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie ( FIP ) took place on 1 July 2026 in Macao and brought together delegates from all continents within the framework of the World Stamp Exhibition Macao 2026. The event included reports on FIP’s activities over the past two years, financial statements, regulatory proposals, elections, and the confirmation of future international exhibitions. The Congress highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the modernization of philatelic practices on a global scale.
Between August 2024 and February 2026, the FIP Board of Directors held 20 meetings, some online and others in Shanghai, Birmingham, and Dubai. The Board’s work included coordinating commissions, preparing seminars, interacting with the UPU, developing digital initiatives, and training jury members. Consultants were appointed for upcoming FIP exhibitions in 2027–2028, demonstrating long‑term planning and stability in the international philatelic calendar.
Within its educational programs, the FIP Jury Academy conducted Course No. 10 in Dubai, where 12 international jurors successfully completed their training. The Academy remains a key instrument for maintaining high judging standards and preparing new experts across philatelic classes.
The FIP Sponsorship Scheme for 2025–2026 provided USD 5,000 to several regional exhibitions, including LIBEREC 2025, AMIFIL 2025, BALKANFILA XXI, BOLIVIA 2025, 5 NATIONS 2026, and SRBIJAFILA XVI. One exhibition received partial sponsorship, demonstrating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs and circumstances of organizers.
To mark the FIP Centenary, a dedicated website was launched, gathering archival materials, historical documents, and commemorative issues from postal administrations worldwide. The project was realized with contributions from FIP, national federations, and philatelists, including significant input from Chris King (United Kingdom). The platform will be continuously updated and will serve as a central archive for researchers and collectors.
FIP published updated Commissioners’ Guidelines and prepared important amendments to GREV and GREX. The proposals include expanded definitions of philatelic and non‑philatelic material, new judging criteria, and greater flexibility in jury selection. The update to GREX 30.4 allows organizers to form jury teams according to the specific needs of each exhibition, marking a significant step toward regulatory modernization.
The financial reports for 2024–2025 show stable financial performance. For 2024, FIP reported assets of CHF 2,964,860, income of CHF 133,640, and profit of CHF 325,478, including substantial investment gains. The auditor’s report for 2024 confirms that the financial statements comply with Swiss law and the organization’s statutes. The audit for 2025 is in progress and will be provided to delegates once completed.
The reports of the philatelic commissions demonstrate broad international activity across all disciplines. The Aerophilately Commission continues to develop its website, conduct seminars, and support the first virtual exhibition AMSIPEX‑25. The Astrophilately Commission reports numerous seminars, national initiatives, and strong participation in AMSIPEX‑25. The Fight Against Forgeries Commission emphasizes the need for better expert selection and up‑to‑date certificates. The Literature Commission reports over 200 exhibits in 2025 and plans new qualifying seminars. The Maximaphily Commission presents activity from more than ten countries, including Bulgaria, which reports over 20 new maximum cards and participation in international exhibitions. The Postal History, Postal Stationery, Revenue, Thematic, Traditional, Open Philately, and Picture Postcards Commissions provide detailed accounts of seminars, exhibitions, updated regulations, and educational initiatives.
Special attention was given to youth programs, which remain critically important for the future of philately. The report highlights that in recent years there have been too few international exhibitions with youth classes, limiting opportunities for young collectors to participate at higher levels. The Commission notes that judging youth exhibits is often challenging, requiring a specific approach adapted to the age and experience of participants. Therefore, it proposes simplifying the Youth Philately Guidelines to make them more accessible and easier to apply for jurors and national federations. Several national initiatives from China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and FIAF countries demonstrate that youth philately can thrive when supported by educational programs, clubs, school projects, and accessible exhibition formats. It is emphasized that investment in youth programs is a strategic priority that must be shared by all federations if philately is to remain vibrant and attractive in the future.
During the elections, three candidates ran unopposed: Dr. Prakob Chirakiti was re‑elected as President, Richard Tan as Vice‑President for Asia, and Abdulla Khoory as Director for Asia. The reports include detailed professional biographies of the candidates, highlighting their experience and contributions to international philately.
The Congress confirmed and proposed patronage for several future exhibitions, including PHILATAIPEI 2026, SLOVPHILEX 2027, BELGRADE 2027, PRAGA 2028, IBRA 2028, ROMANIA 2029, and GREAT BRITAIN 2030. This outlines a stable international calendar and ensures continuity in the development of philatelic events in the coming years.
In conclusion, the report from the 78th FIP Congress presents a picture of a dynamic, modernizing, and actively functioning international philatelic organization that invests in training, digitalization, regulatory reforms, youth programs, and international cooperation. The commissions work intensively, exhibitions expand, and the global philatelic community continues to grow and evolve.
Photos by Facebook
