The COVID-19 crisis has affected us all. Every continent, and nearly all countries in the world, have been forced to change the way we live and interact with one another.
While most of the population was trying to adapt to the unexpected new challenges brought on by the pandemic, public servants did not have time to stop. Since day one, they have been on the frontlines, risking their lives to protect us. Today, after more than 22?996 474 cases, 799 387 deaths (as of 21 August 2020), and over 1 billion children impacted by school closures, they are still delivering essential services with dedication and courage.
To celebrate UN Public Service Day on 23 June this year, UN DESA’s Division of Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) called for video submissions, showing public servants in action during the COVID-19 crisis. A short? video was produced and screened during the virtual event to celebrate the day.
From leadership and solidarity in Bhutan to adapting correctional services in Canada; from troubadours in Chad taking COVID preventative messages off the grid to combat misinformation to telemedicine in France; from the nurturing care of female nurses working in Kenya to the cape-less heroes in St. Vincent and Grenadines; these are just a few examples of the tireless work that public servants across all sectors have been carrying out. ?
“We invite you to take a walk in their shoes and see how they are working during the pandemic,” says Nosipho Dhladhla in the team. “You can watch a of some of the 80 original submissions on the , with many more also on our”.
In September, DPIDG will call for nominations for the 2021 United Nations Public Service Awards. “This is an award that recognizes the creative contributions of public service institutions to a more effective and responsive service delivery, that also advances progress towards the SDGs,” explains Nosipho.
“Stay tuned!”
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