Quick Facts
The United Nations’ Public Service Day celebrates the idea that democracy and successful governance depend on a competent civil service.
Local names
| Name | Language |
|---|---|
| Public Service Day | English |
| Día de las Naciones Unidas para la Administración Pública | Spanish |
Public Service Day 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Public Service Day 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
List of dates for other years
Public servants are recognized and praised for their efforts on Public Service Day. ©iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen
What do people do?
The United Nations (UN) holds a Public Service Awards ceremony each year. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions worldwide. This event promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service. At the same time, Africa Public Service Day is celebrated in Africa to coincide with the United Nations Public Service Day.
Many public service organizations and departments around the world celebrate this day by holding various events to recognize the valuable role that public servants play in making improvements in society. Activities include: information days featuring stalls and booths about the public service; organized lunches with guest speakers; internal awards ceremonies within public service agencies or departments; and special announcements to honor public servants.
Public life
Public Service Day is a global observance and not a public holiday.
Background
On December 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 23 of each year as United Nations Public Service Day (resolution 57/277). It encouraged member states to organize special events on that day to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process.
This day was created 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.
Symbols
The United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) uses a special logo for Public Service Day. It features two columns, one on the left side and one on the right side, and in between are a pair of hands outlined in orange in a flame-like manner. These hands surround three blue human figures. The figure in the middle depicts a woman and the two other figures, one on each side of the woman, are male. The word “Public”, which joins the two columns, is written above the heads of the figures, which are standing on or supported by the word “Service” in capital letters, which joins the two columns. A smaller version of UNPAN’s main logo is located above the word “Public”.
UNPAN’s main logo, in blue and white, is similar to the logo on the UN flag. It features a projection of a world map (less Antarctica) centered on the North Pole, enclosed by olive branches. The olive branches are a symbol for peace, and the world map represents all the people of the world.
Public Service Day Observances
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Jun 23 | 2003 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Wed | Jun 23 | 2004 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Thu | Jun 23 | 2005 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Fri | Jun 23 | 2006 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Sat | Jun 23 | 2007 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Mon | Jun 23 | 2008 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Tue | Jun 23 | 2009 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Wed | Jun 23 | 2010 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Thu | Jun 23 | 2011 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Sat | Jun 23 | 2012 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Sun | Jun 23 | 2013 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Mon | Jun 23 | 2014 | Public Service Day | United Nation day | |
| Tue | Jun 23 | 2015 | Public Service Day | United Nation day |
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