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UN Public Service Day 2025: History, Awards, and Global Forum in Uzbekistan

United Nations Public Service Day, celebrated annually on June 23, recognizes the invaluable contributions of public servants in driving sustainable development. In 2025, the focus is on accelerating public service delivery to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the UN Public Service Forum taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Why is UN Public Service Day Important?
Public servants play a crucial role in shaping policies, delivering essential services, and ensuring good governance. This day highlights their efforts and inspires future generations to contribute to public administration.

Key Objectives of the Day:
Recognizing Contributions: Celebrating public servants who drive national and global development.
Promoting Innovation: Highlighting best practices in governance and public service delivery.
Encouraging Youth Participation: Motivating young professionals to join public service.
Supporting SDGs: Strengthening institutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

History of UN Public Service Day
The United Nations General Assembly established this day through Resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002, with the first official observance in 2003. Since then, it has grown into a global platform for:
Recognizing outstanding public service initiatives.
Encouraging transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
Facilitating knowledge-sharing among nations.

UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA): Celebrating Excellence
The UNPSA is the most prestigious international award for public institutions that demonstrate innovation and impact in governance.
Key Features of the Awards:
Global Recognition: Honors institutions that improve public service delivery.
Best Practice Sharing: Encourages learning from successful governance models.
Alignment with SDGs: Since 2016, awards focus on initiatives supporting the 2030 Agenda.
Categories of UNPSA:
Innovation in Public Institutions
Gender-Responsive Services
Digital Transformation in Governance
Inclusive Policy Development

UN Public Service Forum 2025: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Event Highlights:
Dates: June 23–25, 2025
Theme: “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future”
Organizers: UN DESA (Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government) & Uzbekistan Government.
Key Sessions & Activities:
✔ Ministerial Roundtables – Discussions on policy challenges.
✔ Capacity-Building Workshops – Enhancing public administration skills.
✔ Awards Ceremony – Recognizing top public service innovations.
✔ Digital Governance Showcases – Highlighting tech-driven governance solutions.
This forum serves as a crucial platform for policymakers, academics, and civil society to collaborate on improving public services worldwide.

Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1. When is United Nations Public Service Day observed?
A1. June 23 every year.
Q2. What was the theme of the 2025 UN Public Service Forum?
A2. “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future.”
Q3. Where is the 2025 UN Public Service Forum being held?
A3. Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Q4. Which UN resolution established Public Service Day?
A4. UN General Assembly Resolution 57/277 (2002).
Q5. What is the main purpose of the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA)?
A5. To recognize excellence and innovation in public administration globally.