Stamps open up a microcosm of their own, it is rightly said. Be it realms, nature, technology, social developments or personalities of public life - on stamps you can find all these topics and many other fascinating motifs. It is therefore not surprising that philately is able to inspire people all over the world.
The International Stamp Exhibition IBRA, together with the International Stamp Fair 2023, will bring this worldwide enthusiasm to Essen from 25 to 28 May 2023. This will be the second time after 2009 that philately from all over the world will come together in Essen. I am very pleased that Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has taken over the patronage of the event in Essen. This underlines the importance of IBRA as an international showcase for philately.
The success of a trade fair lies in the organisation and the willingness of the exhibitors to make the fair attractive with their participation. One thing is certain: there will be a lot to see and discover in Essen. My sincere thanks go to the Bund Deutscher Philatelisten e.V., which has done a great deal to prepare the event. Messe Essen with its modern exhibition areas will provide a worthy setting for this commitment. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all visitors to the fair to explore the city of Essen. As the former Capital of Culture RUHR.2010 and European Green Capital 2017, my home city has a lot to offer. Let us surprise you!
With this outlook, I wish exhibitors and visitors a lively exchange and many ideas at IBRA 2023 for their passion for collecting, which connects people from all over the world.
With kind regards
Thomas Kufen
Lord Mayor of the City of Essen
Lord Mayor of the City of Essen
Photo: City of Essen
