The International Co-operation Year

The General Assembly of the United Nations designated 1965 as International Co-operation Year. 

1965 marked the 20th anniversary of the organization, the Charter of the United Nations having been signed in June 1945.

 The Graphic Presentation Unit of the United Nations Secretariat brought out a design of clasped hands within a laurel wreath .. 

This illustration was used by many member States as the basis for their commemorative issues.

 Symbology

A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp one of each other's opposite hands.

Archaeological ruins show that handshaking was practiced in ancient Greece as far back as the 5th century BC.

The handshake is commonly done upon meeting, greeting, parting, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, or completing an agreement, as a sign of good sportsmanship. Its purpose is to convey trust, balance, friendship and equality

Hera and Athena handshaking , 

late 5th century BC, Acropolis Museum, Athens

The origin of Laurel Wreath is said to have come from Apollo’ love/lust for Daphne. Daphne was not a goddess and  she begged to Gaia save her from his advances. Gaia did this by turning her into a laurel tree just as Apollo reached for her.  Disappointed, Apollo wove a wreath from the branches of the tree (made from the leaves of his beloved) and wore it on his head . Therefore, in honour of Apollo, the victor of  Pythian Games received a crown of laurel leaves.

It has remained a symbol of victory ever since, and as peace usually follows victory, it’s meaning has expanded to symbolize peace.

 Daphne fleeing  from Apollo

Many Nations embraced the spirit of the resolution by issuing stamps in many beautiful and inventive ways:

So, did this little stamp and its brothers change the world? 

We will never know, but...  it couldn't have done any harm!