United Nations Public Service Day is observed annually across the globe on 23rd June to highlight the contribution of public officials in development and progress. The day aims to acknowledges the work of public servants outstanding efforts and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
- A special event took place at UN Headquarters in New York on June 23rd, in celebration of UN Public Service Day with the theme of “Innovative Public Service Delivery: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind.”
Origin :
On 20th December 2002, the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/57/277 and proclaimed 23rd June as United Nations Public Service Day.
- UN Public Service Day marks the anniversary date when the International Labour Organisation(ILO) adopted the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (ILO convention no. 151) to determine the working conditions of all civil servants worldwide.
UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA):
i.UNPSA programme was established by the United Nations(UN) in 2003 to recognise UN public service day.
ii.The award was reviewed in 2016 to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
iii.The winners of these awards are divided into 5 regional groups which includes Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, and Western Asia.
iv.The UNPSA awards are given by the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
v. The UNSPA was 1st awarded on UN’s Public Service Day 2003.
NOTE: The UNPSA programme marks its 20th anniversary in 2023.
Symbols:
i.The United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) uses a special logo for Public Service Day.
ii.UNPAN’s main logo, will be similar to the logo on the UN flag.
Additional info:
Africa Public Service Day is celebrated in Africa to coincide with the United Nations Public Service Day.
About United Nations:
Secretary general – António Guterres
Establishment- 1945
Headquarters- New York, United States
