United Nations Public Service Day 2023: Celebration and recognition of the efforts of public servants all over the globe

The United Nations Public Service Day is observed annually on 23 June to recognize the important role of public servants in promoting sustainable development, good governance, and providing essential services to citizens. The day was established after the General Assembly adopted resolution 57/277 on 20 December 2002 to observe June 23 as Public Service Day. June 23 also marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Labour Relations. For more details about the United Nations Public Service Day 2023 such as its history, significance, celebration, theme, etc, follow this article.

United Nations Public Service Day 2023 Overview

United Nations Public Service Day Upcoming Events

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for United Nations Public Service Day for the upcoming 5 years.

Significance of United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day highlights the contribution of public service, recognizes the work of public servants, and celebrates the value of both public service and servants. The day also aims at encouraging young people to pursue their careers in the public sector. To further reinforce the importance of this day, the United Nations also established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program in 2003. The award aims to promote excellence in public services by identifying and honoring the contributions and achievements of public institutions that lead to a responsive and more effective public administration in countries. In addition to this, the day also provides a platform to discuss practices & strategies, debate emerging issues and trends, and find innovative approaches for effective delivery of public service.

History of United Nations Public Service Day

The United Nations Public Service Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/57/277 of 2003. The resolution laid down the agenda to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community”. Furthermore, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) also established the United Nations Public Service Awards to be given on the occasion of Public Service Day. To align it with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the program was further reviewed in 2016. See: Other Special Days in June

June 23 was chosen as the day of celebration as it marks the anniversary of the date when the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service) was adopted by the International Labour Organization in 1978. This convention forms a model to determine the working conditions of civil servants all over the world.

Observation of United Nations Public Service Day

Every year the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) organizes a forum with a host country and conducts an event in celebration of United Nations Public Service Day. In the event,  capacity-development workshops are organized, the UN Public Service Awards ceremony is held and there is also a Ministerial Round-table conference. More than thousands of participants that includes ministers, world leaders, and other senior decision-makers come together for celebration of this day.

As an individual, you can celebrate this day by appreciating the public servants for their hard work and efforts. If you personally know someone who is a public servant, let them know how grateful you are for their services. You can also volunteer in public service and learn closely how they serve our nation. Also, educate others about the importance of public service and the role these public servants play in their life.

Theme for United Nations Public Service Day 2023

Every year, a theme is decided for the celebration of United Nations Public Service Day, and the celebrations are carried out according to the theme. No theme has yet been decided for the 2023 celebrations, but you can check out the theme for the past 5 years in the table below.

Frequently Asked Questions