United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day is observed on June 23 every year to highlight the importance of public service and honor the efforts of all public servants around the world. On United Nations Public Service Day, the UN also bestows special awards to people with excellent contributions to public service.

In this article, we have shared details about the United Nations Public Service Day, including its history, significance, and theme for the year. Find out more information about this day and the relevance of public service below.

United Nations Public Service Day 2023

United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated annually to foreground the countless public service workers because of whom we lead a peaceful life. Public service is a domain that requires a serviceman to dedicate his/her life to working for social welfare and justice. Through Public Service Day, we acknowledge the efforts of all public service workers.

This day was celebrated for the first time in 2003, after being officially recognized by the United Nations. Check out more details about United Nations Public Service Day from the table shared below.

United Nations Public Service Day 2023 Theme

No specific theme is chosen for United Nations Public Service Day 2023. The celebrations for the day generally include organizing talks, conferences, and seminars. In 2021, the Public Service Day theme was "Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs".

The event mainly focused on how countries and government employees quickly adapted and utilized online tools to continue working throughout the pandemic. The United Nations might announce the Public Service Day 2023 theme soon.

Public Service Day History

The history of United Nations Public Service Day can be traced back to 2003 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officiated the day. Here is the complete sequence of events related to Public Service Day.

• On December 20, 2002, the UNGA declared June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day, after adopting Resolution 57/277.
• A year later, on June 23, 2003, Public Service Day was celebrated for the first time in the world.
• To commemorate the day, the United Nations developed the UN Public Service Awards program in 2003.
• The program was later revised in 2016 to line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• To mark the United Nations Public Service Day, various ceremonies are held to honor the contributions made by public officials.

United Nations Public Service Day Significance

United Nations Public Service Day recognizes public servants' commitment and inspires the youth to participate in public service by taking up government office positions. Here is why Public Service Day is considered so significant.

• 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 worldwide.
• As a result, United Nations Public Service Day is commemorated to honor the worth and virtue of public service.
• Public Service Day instills a sense of responsibility in the public regarding social issues and civil behavior.

United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA)

On Public Service Day, the UNPSA encourages and prizes public services by identifying and rewarding public entities' innovative and outstanding achievements. The aim of UNPSA is to drive public service officials to become more efficient and accommodative in public administration around the world while prioritizing sustainable development.

About UNPSA

This United Nations Public Service Day, here is all you need to know about the UNPSA.

1. In 2003, the United Nations Economic and Social Council launched the United Nations Public Service Awards in honor of UN Public Service Day.
2. In 2016, the award program was revised to reflect the 2030 Agenda.
3. These honors are given to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the cause of improving the dignity and exposure of public service.
4. The UNPSA strives to recognize and reward public service innovation and excellence that results in a much more efficient and effective government in countries worldwide.
5. Without public service or public administration, democracy and successful governance are impossible to attain.

UNPSA Winners 2022

On United Nations Public Service Day, an annual award ceremony takes place in which public officials are rewarded for their service. Here are the winners of UNPSA 2022.

• Koh Libong Community (Thailand) for Fostering innovation to deliver inclusive and equitable services.
• Science for Change Program (Philippines) for Enhancing the effectiveness of public institutions to reach the SDGs.
• Prozorro.Sale (Ukraine) for Enhancing the effectiveness of public institutions to reach the SDGs.
• Community Peace Center (Brazil) for Enhancing the Effectiveness of public institutions to Reach the SDGs.
• Mo Bus (India) for Promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs.
• Pay Equity Act in Quebec (Canada) for Promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs.

FAQs on United Nations Public Service Day

Q1. When is the United Nations Public Service Day celebrated?

The United Nations Public Service Day is observed on June 23 every year. This day is celebrated to honor public service officials and throw light on their efforts. Public Service Day is an initiative of the United Nations and is celebrated annually throughout the world.

Q2. What is the theme of Public Service Day 2023?

United Nations Public Service Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced by the United Nations. Every year, a new theme is announced on Public Service Day. The theme of the day generally revolves around highlighting the importance of public service in society.

Q3. When was United Nations Public Service Day celebrated for the first time?

United Nations Public Service Day was celebrated for the first time on June 23, 2003, a year after the United Nations adopted Resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002. On that day, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day.

Q4. Why is United Nations Public Service Day celebrated?

The United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated to acknowledge the importance of government service around the world. The purpose of Public Service Day is to honor the efforts of all public servants around the world.

Q5. What was the theme of United Nations Public Service Day 2021?

"Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs" was the theme of the United Nations Public Service Day 2021. Every year, the United Nations announces a new theme on Public Service Day.

Q6. What is the United Nations Public Service Award?

The United Nations Public Service Award (UNSPA) is a special award bestowed by the United Nations on public service officials on Public Service Day every year. These awards honor those who have put in exceptional efforts in public service during the year.