United Nations Public Service Day is observed annually on June 23. It celebrates the value and virtue of public services, emphasizes the contribution of public service in the process of development, recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector. In 2003, the United Nations established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program, which aims to promote and reward innovation and excellence in public services. It was then reviewed in 2016 to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
History of United Nations Public Service Day
On December 20, 2002, the General Assembly designated June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day. It encouraged the Member States to organize special events on the day highlighting the contribution of public service in the development process. The UNPSA was then established. This organization rewards the accomplishments and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. The UNPSA advertises the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service.Public service and public servants are crucial to the community. Public service is a service provided to people in a specific jurisdiction by the government. The government itself may provide the services, or they pay a private organization to provide the services to the people. The police or fire department, for example, is a government-run agency, but trash pickup provided by an independent contractor is a public service financed by the jurisdiction.Public servants don’t just do a job, but they want to make a difference. They put others first because they want to give back to their community. Being a public servant means working hard and being dedicated to serving citizens. Public servants work in different fields of jobs and different ministries, but they use the same values as the basis of their services. One of their values is integrity, which is important in building trust. The public’s trust in government is based on how they feel about the services provided to them by public servants.
United Nations Public Service Day timeline
Benjamin Franklin starts the first garbage collection service and street cleaning service.
The widespread provision of public utilities as public services in developed countries begins.
The General Assembly designates June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day.
The United Nations establishes the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) program.
United Nations Public Service Day FAQs
What are the differences between a public servant and a civil servant?
A civil servant is an official or a bureaucrat representing the government and who works in an office or a department, and a public servant is a social worker who is elected or appointed and sometimes works in an office and represents the government.
Is the police a civil servant or a public servant?
Police officers are public servants.
What is UN public service day?
UN Public Service Day is marked with the United Nations Public Service Awards Ceremony. It rewards excellence in public service and is aimed at promoting public service worldwide. The winners are announced at a high-level event on June 23 each year.
How to Observe United Nations Public Service Day
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Thank public servants
Maybe you have friends or family who work as public servants. It’s the best time to thank them personally for what they have been doing for the public.
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Volunteer in public service
Public service is a non-stop need for us. To celebrate the day, you may want to volunteer in public service.
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Learn more about public servants
Public servants are people who want to make a difference, and who put others before themselves. After you learn about their dedication to the public you can then appreciate them more, and be more kind to them.
5 Interesting Facts About Firefighters
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They need 100 hours of training
Firefighters require 100 hours of training before they are legally allowed to enter the interior of a burning building.
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Benjamin Franklin started a volunteer fire department
Benjamin Franklin assisted the Union Fire Company, sometimes called Franklin’s Bucket Brigade, a volunteer fire department formed in Philadelphia in 1736.
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They don’t only deal with fire
Firefighters also save people when there are floods, earthquakes, man-made disasters, and terrorist acts, and they even serve as plumbers, electricians, and mechanics.
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They get many emergencies concerning animals
If a dog falls into a well or a cat can’t get out of a tree or a narrow drainpipe, firefighters will come to their aid.
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They get dressed really fast
As per norms, firefighters have to get dressed in less than two minutes.
Why United Nations Public Service Day is Important
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It is an appreciation
Public services and public servants have been helping us with some of our necessities. So, the day is celebrated as an appreciation for their uncountable help to the public.
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It is a reminder
United Nations Public Service Day can be a reminder that there are people who dedicate their life to other people’s needs. We can do the same, such as volunteering in the fire department.
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They are awesome people
Public servants are amazing. For example, firefighters will even help a cat who can’t get out of a tree.
United Nations Public Service Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 23 | Friday |
| 2024 | June 23 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 23 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 23 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 23 | Wednesday |
