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United Nations Public Service Day 2026
What’s the News?
United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on 23 June to recognize the value of public service, honour the contribution of public servants, and promote effective, accountable, and inclusive public institutions. In 2026, the observance coincides with the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, focusing on innovation and inclusive governance.
Theme for 2026
"Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation, and Inclusion."
The theme emphasizes:
- Modernizing public institutions through innovation.
- Encouraging citizen participation in governance.
- Building inclusive, transparent, and accountable public administration.
- Strengthening institutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA)
- Established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2003.
- Recognizes excellence and innovation in public administration worldwide.
- Rewards initiatives that improve:
- Public service delivery.
- Digital governance.
- Institutional effectiveness.
- Inclusive and citizen-centric governance.
- Presented annually during the UN Public Service Forum.
Additional Info
- History
- Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/57/277 on 20 December 2002.
- First observed in 2003.
- Observed annually on 23 June.
- Organising Agency
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
- Specifically coordinated through the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG).
- 2026 UN Public Service Forum
- Venue: Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Organised by: UN DESA and the Government of Georgia.
- Key focus areas:
- Digital transformation.
- Capacity building.
- Good governance.
- Innovation in public institutions.
- Public Service Awards ceremony.