Every year, on June 23, the United Nations Public Service Day is observed to recognize the importance of government service in the development cycle of the region and celebrate the efforts of all public servants around the world. It recognizes that government service to the general population is of utmost importance.
United Nations Public Service Day: Theme
United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated every year with a theme reflecting public service’s current challenges and opportunities. The United Nations Public Service Day has featured the following themes in the past:
- United Nations Public Service Day Theme 2022 – Building back better from COVID-19
- United Nations Public Service Day Theme 2021 – Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the Sustainable Development Goals
- United Nations Public Service Day Theme2020 – Action Today, Impact Tomorrow: Innovating and Transforming Public Services and Institutions to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals
- United Nations Public Service Day Theme 2019 – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through effective Delivery of Services, Innovative Transformation, and Accountable Institutions
- United Nations Public Service Day Theme 2018 – Transforming Governance to Realize the Sustainable Development Goals
History of United Nations Public Service Day
The UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program, which was reviewed in 2016 and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was established in 2003 to recognize the Day and the value of public service. With the UNPSA, the UN aims to encourage and reward innovation and excellence in public services by recognizing the creative achievements of public institutions which result in a more efficient and responsive public administration globally in support of sustainable development.
The General Assembly designated 23 June as Public Service Day by adopting resolution 57/277 on 20 December 2002. The United Nations Public Service Awards program, developed in 2003 to commemorate UN Public Service Day, was revised in 2016 to bring it in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. There are various ceremonies held to recognize the contributions made by public officials.
Read More: 23 June in Indian and World History
Significance of United Nations Public Service Day
Public service Day honors public servants’ work and commitment to the cause and encourages young people to take part in public service or government office positions.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) enacted the Treaty on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (ILO convention no. 151), to govern the working conditions of all civil servants. United Nations Public Service Day celebrates the value and virtue of communal service as a result.