The United Nations (UN’s) Public Service Day is annually observed across the globe on June 23 to celebrate the fundamental value and virtue of public service to communities worldwide.
- The day also highlights how public servants contribute to societal development, honouring their dedication and inspiring youth to pursue careers in public administration.
- The day also commemorates the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) adoption of the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), ILO Convention No. 151, on 23 June 1978, which sets global standards for civil service working conditions.
Background:
i.On December 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/57/277. This resolution formally proclaimed June 23 as UN Public Service Day.
ii.The first UN Public Service Day observance occurred on June 23, 2003.
About UN Public Service Forum:
i.The UN Public Service Forum is a major global event focused on capacity development in public governance.
ii.It is organized annually by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), headquartered in New York, United States of America (USA), in partnership with a host country.
iii.The Forum’s program typically includes capacity-development workshops, the UNPSA award ceremony, and a Ministerial Roundtable.
About UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA):
i.The UNPSA program, established by the UN in 2003, is the world’s most prestigious international recognition for excellence in public service.
ii.Its creation followed a 2002 resolution by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), headquartered in New York, USA. This resolution endorsed a recommendation from the Group of Experts on the UN Programme on Public Administration and Finance (ECOSOC resolution E/RES/2001/45).
iii.It rewards creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that result in more efficient and responsive public administration. These innovations help address critical social, economic, and environmental needs globally.
iv.The awards are presented annually during a UN Public Service Forum, held alongside Public Service Day, and include a Ministerial Roundtable and capacity-building workshops.
2025 Events:
The 2025 UN Public Service Forum and Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place from June 23 to 25, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
This event is co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) and the Government of Uzbekistan.
- The theme is “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future”.
i.The event will convene representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, national public servants, and other stakeholders.
ii.With five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is an urgency to accelerate public administration, embrace innovation, and build resilience. Digital technology, partnerships, and inclusion are crucial to ensuring no one is left behind.
Key Statistics:
i.Public Trust: In democratic countries, public trust in government saw a modest increase from 2020 to 2022, rising by a few percentage points to maintain levels around 42-43%. However, this remains nearly 10% lower than the levels recorded in 1995.
ii.Aid Impact: International aid supports 52 of 74 SDG indicators, especially advancing Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
iii.Public Debt: The cost of servicing public debt as a percentage of government revenue is currently higher than at any previous point in history.
National Public Service Days:
National Public Service Day in India is observed annually on April 21. This day honors the contributions of civil servants to the nation’s development.
- It commemorates the historic address by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the first batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in 1947, where he described them as the essential “steel frame” of India.
About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA):
Under Secretary General (USG) – Li Junhua
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Formed – 1948
