United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day: Celebrating Excellence in Public Service

United Nations Public Service Day is an annual observance that celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community. It recognizes the work of public servants, highlights their contributions to the development process, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

Quick Facts

When is it?: June 23rd annually
Tagged as: Public Service Recognition
What’s the hashtag?: #UNPublicServiceDay
When was it founded?: December 20, 2002
Who founded it?: United Nations General Assembly

History of United Nations Public Service Day

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 23rd as Public Service Day by adopting resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the Convention on Labor Relations (Public Service), adopted by the International Labor Organization in 1978. In 2003, the UN established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program to promote and reward innovation and excellence in public services.

Timeline

2002: UN General Assembly designates June 23rd as Public Service Day
2003: First United Nations Public Service Day celebrated
2003: UN Public Service Awards program established
2016: UNPSA program reviewed to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

United Nations Public Service Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 23	Monday
2026	June 23	Tuesday
2027	June 23	Wednesday
2028	June 23	Friday
2029	June 23	Saturday
2030	June 23	Sunday

Observed United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day is observed globally with various events and activities. Many countries organize award ceremonies, conferences, and seminars to recognize outstanding work by public servants and discuss current challenges in public service.

The United Nations celebrates the day by awarding the UN Public Service Awards, which recognize achievements and contributions of public service organizations and individuals in promoting sustainable development and providing quality public services.

The UN also organizes the Public Service Forum, bringing together professionals, policymakers, and academics to discuss trends and best practices in public service delivery.

Fun Facts About United Nations Public Service Day

The day coincides with the anniversary of the ILO Convention on Labor Relations for public servants.
The UN Public Service Awards program has received an increasing number of submissions from around the world since its inception.
Some countries use this day to promote public service careers to young people through career fairs and job shadowing programs.
The day recognizes public servants working in various fields, including healthcare, sanitation, education, and law enforcement.
In 2020, the day honored public servants working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quiz

On which date is United Nations Public Service Day celebrated?
In which year was the first United Nations Public Service Day observed?
What is the name of the awards program established by the UN to recognize excellence in public service?
Which UN body designated June 23rd as Public Service Day?
What was the focus of the 2020 UN Public Service Day celebration?

(Answers: 1. June 23rd, 2. 2003, 3. UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA), 4. UN General Assembly, 5. Honoring public servants working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic)

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of United Nations Public Service Day?
A: It celebrates the value of public service, recognizes public servants’ work, and encourages young people to pursue public sector careers.

Q: How do countries celebrate United Nations Public Service Day?
A: Countries organize award ceremonies, conferences, seminars, and events to recognize public servants and discuss public service challenges.

Q: What are the UN Public Service Awards?
A: They are awards that recognize innovation and excellence in public service delivery worldwide.

Q: Can individuals be nominated for the UN Public Service Awards?
A: The awards primarily recognize public institutions rather than individuals.

Q: How often is United Nations Public Service Day celebrated?
A: It is celebrated annually on June 23rd.

Q: What is celebrated on National United Nations Public Service Day?
It celebrates the importance of public service and honors the contributions of public servants worldwide.

Q: Why was this day established?
To recognize the role of public servants in development and governance while inspiring future generations to join public service.

Q: How can I observe this day?
You can thank public servants, volunteer for community services, or learn more about their contributions.

Importance of United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day plays a crucial role in highlighting the essential work of public servants worldwide. It brings attention to the often-overlooked contributions of those working in government and public institutions to societal development and well-being.

The day serves as a platform to promote innovation and excellence in public service delivery. By recognizing outstanding achievements, it encourages continuous improvement and the sharing of best practices across different countries and regions.

Moreover, United Nations Public Service Day helps inspire the next generation of public servants. By showcasing the impact and importance of public service careers, it encourages young people to consider contributing their skills and passion to the public sector, ensuring a strong and dedicated workforce for the future.