United Nations Public Service Day is observed annually on June 23 to highlight the contribution of people associated with public service to the community. The day aims to acknowledge their role in the development process, to recognize their work and to encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
United Nations Public Service Day 2020
i.The United Nations marks the day to honor people who risk their lives and health to deliver essential public services amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
ii.The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs(UN DESA) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea organize the day and host an outreach and resource platform from 15-30 June.
Virtual event
There will be a virtual event on June 23, that brings together public servants and leaders to discuss the importance of continuing the public service provision during the epidemic.
UN Public Service Awards
The UN Public Service Awards, is awarded annually on the day to the achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries around the world. It is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service.
Winners of UN Public Service Awards 2020
There were 7 winners namely:
- The Republic of Korea Seongdong District’s (Seoul) “HYO Policy”.
- The Automatic Social Energy Tariff (ASET), Portugal.
- The Jaboatão Prepara Programme, Brazil.
- In the Mexican state of Nuevo León.
- The e-Mutation initiative, Bangladesh.
- e-Thuto platform, Botswana.
- Spain’s Ministry of Justice was awarded for developing the ‘Justicia Digital: La visión 360º de la Seguridad.
Click here for further reference about the winners
Background
The General Assembly designated the day by adopting resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002.
About UN DESA:
Headquarters– New York, United States
Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs– Liu Zhenmin
