On December 20, 2002, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated June 23 of each year as “United Nations Public Service Day” (resolution 57/277). The prestigious UN Public Service Awards are given away on this day. UN Public Service Day is a global observance and not a public holiday. UN Public Service Day honors the importance and virtue of public service to the community; highlights the public service’s contribution to the development process; acknowledges public servants’ jobs, and enables young people to seek careers in the public sector. The United Nations Economic and Social Council established that the United Nations Public Service Awards be bestowed on Public Service Day for contributions made to the cause of enhancing the role, prestige, and visibility of public service. It recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service. The day aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community.
United Nations Public Service Day is widely known by various public service organizations and departments around the world by organizing several events to recognize the role of public servants in making developments and improvements in the community. The United Nations (UN) holds a UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) ceremony each year. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions worldwide. This event promotes the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service. The UNPSA aims to promote and reward innovation and excellence in public services by recognizing the creative achievements and contributions of public institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide in support of sustainable development. Many public service organizations and departments around the world celebrate nowadays by holding various events to acknowledge the precious role that public servants play in making improvements in society. Activities include: information days featuring stalls and booths about the general public service; organized lunches with guest speakers; internal awards ceremonies within public service agencies or departments; and special announcements to honor public servants. The day also marks the anniversary of the date when the International Labor Organization adopted the Convention on Labor Relations (Public Service), 1978 (No. 151). The United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) uses a special logo for Public Service Day.
