UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for Public Service Day, observed on 23 June​.

About the United Nations Public Service Awards and Day

The United Nations Public Service Awards is 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.

The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate 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. Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world.

Celebrating 20 years of the United Nations Public Service Awards

In a significant milestone, the United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023. The UNPSA, established in 2003, aims to recognize and promote innovation and excellence in public service for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To mark this occasion, a digital campaign has been launched, creating awareness about the UNPSA program and generating anticipation for the upcoming 2024 UNPSA. 

This campaign seeks to highlight the value of public service, acknowledge the contributions of public servants, and inspire young individuals to pursue careers in the public sector. As the world faces pressing challenges and with only seven years to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, embracing innovation in the public sector becomes crucial for accelerating progress. The UNPSA rewards and honors the creative achievements and effective contributions of public institutions in enhancing public administration and supporting sustainable development worldwide. 

On June 23,  Public Service Day, join our campaign to propel public service excellence to new heights. 

- Follow #UNPublicServiceAwards and follow us on Twitter to learn more.

- Visit the Public Service Innovation Hub to learn more of inspiring innovative public service initiatives.

For any inquiries on the UNPSA contact unpsa@un.org