United Nations Public Service Day (23 June)

UN Public Service Day, celebrated on the 23rd of June every year, recognises the contribution of public service in the development process and appreciates the work of all public servants, all over the world. It appreciates the value of public service to the common people.

As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about UN Public Service Day to get the basic information. It might be your lucky day during UPSC Prelims if at all a question is asked from this topic.

Facts About UN Public Service Day for UPSC Exam-

Read the below-mentioned facts about UN Public service Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation:

The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.

To read more about the other Important International and National Days, click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.

Significance of UN Public Service Day

• It acknowledges the work done by public servants, their dedication towards the effort, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector or office.
• UN Public Service Day marks the anniversary date when the International Labour Organisation adopted the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (ILO convention no. 151) to determine the working conditions of all civil servants worldwide.
• Hence, this day is celebrated to recognise the value and virtue of public service to the community.

Origin and Background of UN Public Service Day

• 23 June was selected by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 2002 as Public Service Day after adopting a resolution 57/277.
• The United Nations also established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) programme in 2003, to recognise this day, which was later reviewed in 2016 to align with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
• To highlight the contributions done by public servants, various events are organised.

United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA)

• On the occasion of UN Public Service Day, the United Nations Economic & Social Council established the United Nations Public Service Awards in 2003.
• This award programme was updated in 2016 to accord with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• These awards are bestowed to appreciate the contributions made to the cause of enhancing the role, prestige, and visibility of public service.
• The UNPSA aims to reward innovation and excellence in public services that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.
• No doubt democracy and successful governance can’t be achieved without public service or public administration.

About United Nations Public Service Day 2021 and Theme:

• Due to the ongoing pandemic and lockdown in many countries, the event this year was held virtually where the Division of Public Institutions and Digital Government of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, came together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other key stakeholders, public servants and UN officials from all over the world to respect and honour the work of public servants.
• The United Nations Public Service Day 2021 was celebrated on the theme- “Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs”.
• The event focused on the important role that innovation and technology play in the delivery of public services.
• It looked at preparing the future public service for a new era, so as to reach the 2030 sustainable development goals.
• It basically highlighted how countries and public servants have quickly adopted and used online mechanisms to continue their work during the coronavirus pandemic.

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