In Face of World’s Challenges, Dedicated Public Servants Work Hard to Ensure

People’s Needs Are Met with Care, Respect, Dignity, Says Secretary-General

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on United Nations Public Service Day, observed 23 June:

This year marks the tenth anniversary of United Nations Public Service Day.

Over the past decade, public servants around the world have made tremendous strides in improving the lives of citizens and providing modern services.  Access to quality public services is central to development of any country — and we have seen encouraging progress in developing regions.

The world faces many serious inter-connected challenges, from hunger and poverty to disease and climate change.  Dedicated public servants work hard to ensure that people’s needs are met with care, respect and dignity.  By embracing a culture of innovation and excellence and engaging people in decisions that affect them, public servants are making a real difference in the lives of families and communities.

This year, Public Service Day coincides with the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro.  Public servants — at the local and national levels — will be critical to producing results and taking forward the Rio outcome.

The winners of the 2012 United Nations Public Service Awards set an example in improving delivery, promoting accountability and combating corruption.  Through their search for innovative approaches to public governance challenges, they are building a better future for us all.

On this day, let us recognize the invaluable role played by those who dedicate their lives to public service.

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For information media • not an official record