United Nations Public Service Day 2025

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United Nations Public Service Forum 2025

From June 23 to 25, 2025, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will host the United Nations Public Service Forum under the theme “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future.” Organized by UN DESA and the Government of Uzbekistan, the event will focus on digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive service delivery. 

High-level sessions, workshops, and national presentations will drive discussions on achieving the SDGs. The forum aims to enhance global collaboration, share best practices, and honor excellence in public service through the UN Public Service Awards, emphasizing innovation and reaching underserved communities.

History of United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day was established on December 20, 2002, when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/57/277, declaring June 23 as its annual observance. First celebrated in 2003, the day honors the essential role of public institutions in fostering development and democracy. 

June 23 was chosen to commemorate the 1978 ILO Convention No. 151, which set global standards for public service labor conditions. The day encourages youth to join public service and highlights the dedication of civil servants. Over the years, the day has adapted to global needs, with focus having shifted from recognition to promoting excellence in public administration.

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United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA)

The United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA), established in 2003 by the UN Economic and Social Council, are the highest international recognition for innovation and excellence in public service. These were presented annually on June 23, coinciding with UN Public Service Day, however, from 2024, UNPSA will be announced biennially.

UN Public Service awards honor public institutions that improve lives and promote inclusive, transparent, and effective governance. The award criteria include:

• Public sector institutions at national, sub-national, and local levels from all UN member states

• The initiative must have been implemented for at least two years

• Initiatives designed or implemented by the United Nations system are not eligible

• Individuals, private sector organizations, and non-governmental organizations cannot apply independently.

• Only one application per initiative is allowed

After 2024, the United Nations Public Service Awards will be given in 2026 under four categories.

National Public Service Day

India’s National Public Service Day, also known as National Civil Service Day, is observed annually on April 21 to honor the dedication and service of civil servants. First celebrated in 2006, the day marks Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s iconic 1947 address to the first IAS batch, where he called civil servants the "steel frame of India." 

Organized by the Government of India through DARPG, the event recognizes excellence in governance through the Prime Minister’s Awards for Public Administration. It aims to inspire integrity, efficiency, and innovation in public service, while encouraging civil servants to reflect on their responsibilities and drive continuous improvement in nation-building.

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United Nations Public Service Day 2025 Significance 

UN Public Service Day has strong significance as it highlights several global lessons:

• Renewed Trust in Public Institutions: Global tension and disinformation have eroded trust in government. UNPS Day reminds us that honest, capable public servants can rebuild trust.

• Spotlight on Innovation: Once reserved for the tech world, innovation is now a crucial part of public service. 

• Building Resilience: 2025 marks a new era of shocks and crises, and therefore, public service must plan ahead. 

• Human‑Centered Policy: Behind every policy is a person. UNPSD highlights that services should meet citizens' real needs.

• Global Collaboration: Public servants around the globe face similar challenges. UNPS Day fosters international cooperation.

Altogether, the United Nations Public Service Day 2025 reminds us that strong, innovative, and resilient public service underpins a peaceful and thriving society. It honors everyday heroes and inspires a new era of positive change.

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