Nominations for the 2017 United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA) are currently being accepted until 17 March 2017. UNPSA aims to recognize public service institutions that exemplify innovation and excellence in their work. All public organizations are welcome to be nominated including governments and public sector institutions that are engaged in public-private partnerships for delivering services. Candidates are expected to present innovative projects that contribute to improved public service delivery and can inspire similar initiatives around the world.
Nominations for the 2017 UNPSA are classified into three categories:
- Reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation
- Promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in public service
- Innovation and excellence in delivering health services
The awards will be given during the UN Public Service Forum in The Hague, Netherlands, on 22-23 June 2017. This year's theme The Future is Now: Accelerating Public Service Innovation for Agenda 2030 correlates with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs consist of 17 goals that cover a wide array of development issues including the need to build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Promoting the role, professionalism and visibility of public service is the driving force of the UNPSA annual competition that is open to all public sector institutions at the national, state and local levels from all UN member states. The UN has designated 23 June as the UN Public Service Day; a day to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community, recognize the work of public servants, and highlight the contribution of public service in the development process. The long-term objectives of this competition include triggering creativity, exhibiting transparency, and demonstrating the spirit of excellence in the public sector.
UNPSA is organized and managed by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. For the past 14 years of its existence, UNPSA has served as a global platform that convenes participants to mutually learn and share experiences with fellow participants, other agencies and initiatives of the host governments. UNPSA has also played a prominent role on identifying trends in the public service sector and formulating the possible adaptation strategies. To learn more about UNPSA and apply for nomination, please visit