UN Public Service Day: Celebrating achievements that build a better world

23 June 2014 – Established in 1945, the United Nations is the largest intergovernmental organization for international cooperation on the world stage. Comprising of 193 member states and 2 observer states, the UN serves the international community as a forum for aid, discussion and peace creation. On of the core values, and purposes of the UN, is public service.

Today, we celebrate the UN Public Service Day to recognize the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

On this day the UN awards the United Nations Public Service Award. The most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the UN Public Service Awards promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service. It encourages exemplary public service and recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on a competent civil service.

At today’s commemoration in Seoul, the United Nations and Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon, will recognize 19 public institutions from 14 countries for their outstanding achievements. The Scretary-General on this day says, “At a time of complex and interdependent global challenges, effective governance and efficient public administration are central to meeting our development goals. They will also be vital for implementing the post-2015 development agenda.”