The United Nations’ Public Service Day will be observed on Saturday (today) to recognise 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 public service to the community. The United Nations (UN) holds a public service awards 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.
Many public service organisations and departments around the world celebrate this day by holding various events to recognise the valuable role that public servants play in making improvements in a society.
Activities include: information days featuring stalls and booths about the public service; organised lunches with guest speakers, internal awards ceremonies within public service, agencies or departments and special announcements to honour public servants.
On December 20, 2002, the UN General Assembly designated June 23 of each year as United Nations Public Service Day (resolution 57/277). It encouraged member states to organise special events on that day to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process. This day was created to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community.
