What is in news : United Nations Public Service Day is observed on June 23, to recognise value and virtue of public service to community

Background: United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23 every year. The day was designated by United Nations General Assembly’s resolution to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to community”.

United Nations Public Service Awards: On the occasion, United Nations Economic & Social Council established the United Nations Public Service Awards in 2003. This award programme was updated in 2016 to accord with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This award is bestowed on Public Service Day for contribution made towards enhancing role, prestige and visibility of public service.

Significance of the day: This day also marks anniversary of date when International Labour Organization adopted the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (ILO convention no. 151). This Convention determines the working conditions of all civil servants worldwide.

Theme of the day: This day was observed under the theme “Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach Sustainable Development Goals” in 2021.