United Nations Public Service Day: Significance and History
Every year on June 23, the United Nations Public Service Day is observed. The United Nations General Assembly’s resolution A/RES/57/277 of 2003 established the UN Public Service Day to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community.”
Let’s look at the different important aspects of commemorating the United Nations Service Day:
United Nations Public Service Day Significance:
The United Nations Public Service Day honors public officials and encourages students to participate in public service by running for government office. Here are some of the reasons why Public Service Day is so important.
- To oversee the working conditions of all civil servants worldwide, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) passed the Treaty on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (ILO convention no. 151).
- As a result, the United Nations Public Service Day is observed to celebrate the importance and virtue of public service.
- Public Service Day instills in the public a sense of responsibility for societal issues and civil behavior.
History of United Nations Public Service Day:
United Nations Public Service Day dates back to 2003 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the day. The UN Public Service Day aims to commemorate the value and virtue of community service; highlight the role of public service in the development process; recognize the efforts of public employees; and inspire young people to consider jobs in the public sector. The following is the complete schedule of events on Public Service Day:
- After passing Resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly established June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day.
- A year later, on June 23, 2003, the world observed Public Service Day for the first time.
- In 2003, the United Nations established the UN Public Service Awards program to mark the day.
- In 2016, the program was amended to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- On the occasion of the United Nations Public Service Day, numerous celebrations are performed to celebrate the contributions of public servants.
United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA):
The UNPSA celebrates Public Service Day by recognizing and honoring public institutions for their innovative and excellent achievements. The goal of UNPSA is to motivate public servants around the world to become more efficient and accommodating in public administration while prioritizing sustainable development.
About UNPSA:
This UN Public Service Day here’s everything you need to know about the UNPSA:
- In honor of UN Public Service Day, the United Nations Economic and Social Council established the United Nations Public Service Awards in 2003.
- The award program was updated in 2016 to meet the 2030 Agenda.
- These awards are granted to those who have made substantial contributions to the cause of increasing the dignity and visibility of public service.
- The UNPSA works to recognize and promote public service innovation and excellence that leads to more efficient and effective government in countries around the world.
- Democracy and successful government are impossible to achieve without public service or public administration.
The theme of the United Nations Public Service Day:
The theme of the United Nations Public Service Day for the year 2023 is yet to be announced.